George Robert Gaylord

George Robert “Bob” Gaylord, age 90, passed away peacefully on October 15, 2025, in Punta Gorda, Florida, surrounded by his devoted family. Born on December 27, 1934, in Lafayette, Indiana, to Colonel George C. and Ella Frances Gaylord, Bob lived a remarkable life filled with love, service, and integrity.

A proud patriot, Bob served in the United States Army Reserve from 1952 to 1962. His devotion to his country shaped his lifelong values of duty, responsibility, and honor. After his military service, he spent more than two decades with the West Lafayette Police Department, where he rose to the rank of Detective Sergeant. Known for his calm leadership, fairness, and compassion, he was respected by colleagues and admired by the community he served.

Bob was a devoted husband to Sondra Jeanne (Tompkins) Gaylord, his beloved wife of 71 years. Together they built a home grounded in love, laughter, and faith—a home that grew to five generations strong. He was a proud father to Julie Marie (Fagan) Gaylord and husband Mark Fagan; Timothy Robert Gaylord and wife Lisa Gaylord; Jeffrey Lynn Gaylord and wife Rosie Gaylord; Tina Michelle (Chapman) Gaylord and husband Bob Chapman; and Jeanne Angela (Gaylord) Campbell and husband Shawn Murphy.

George’s love for family was limitless. He leaves behind 13 grandchildren, 22 great-grandchildren, and one great-great-granddaughter, all of whom carry forward his humor, work ethic, and warmth.

An avid outdoorsman, Bob found peace in nature and joy in teaching his children to fish, hunt, and appreciate the wild. A skilled engineer and craftsman, he designed and built several homes, including a stunning log cabin that stood as a testament to his ingenuity and determination. He also loved tending his garden, where each year he cultivated rows of vegetables and proudly made countless quarts of homemade sauerkraut from his own cabbage harvest.

Bob was a proud member of the Elks Lodge, the American Legion, and the Fraternal Order of Police—organizations that reflected his lifelong dedication to fellowship, community, and service.

In retirement, George and Sondra made their home in Punta Gorda, Florida, where they enjoyed sunshine, friendship, and the tranquility of coastal life. George remained a storyteller, a problem-solver, and a man of unwavering kindness—a steady presence who led by quiet, confident example.

A Memorial Service and Celebration of Life will be held at the United Church of Christ, 1201 Aqui Esta Dr, Punta Gorda, FL 33950, on November 15, 2025, at 1:00 p.m., followed by fellowship in the Parish Fellowship Hall. His remains will be laid to rest in a private family ceremony at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family invites friends to honor George’s memory through acts of kindness, time spent outdoors, or donations to the Moffitt Cancer Center Foundation (12902 Magnolia Drive, Tampa, FL 33612) — a cause close to his heart, especially in honor of his wife’s courageous battle with metastatic melanoma. www.moffitt.org

Bob Gaylord will be remembered as a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and great-great-grandfather — a man of deep faith, humor, and purpose. His legacy endures in the love of his family and the countless lives he touched.