Charles Robert “Bob” Delahunt, 93 of Galesburg, formerly of Avon, passed away at 5:48 a.m. Saturday, February 8, 2020, at Seminary Manor in Galesburg after a short illness. He was born August 1, 1926, in Fowlkes, Tennessee, the son of William Marcus and Olive Margaret “Sue” (Myers) Delahunt. Bob came to Avon upon the death of his father to live with his maternal grandfather, Frank P Myers and graduated from Avon High School in 1944.
He served in the U.S. Navy (USNR). from 1944 to 1946 during WW II, assigned to the USS Watseka, Harbor Tug in Saipan, being promoted from Seaman to Coxswain.
Bob returned to Avon, post-military service, before enrolling in Western Illinois University, first to receive a Bachelor’s degree in History & Biology (1950), followed with a Master’s Degree, in Education, and finally a Certificate of Advanced Study (CAS) Administration Degree. Starting in 1950, he taught school in Bushnell for one year, Avon for five years, and then served as the Principal at Abingdon Grade School for the next twenty-three years, retiring in 1979, to begin full time raising cattle and farming for another 23 years, before truly retiring by moving to Galesburg. He was also active in local sports leagues, an avid sportsman, and was a school sports official for football and basketball.
Bob married Mary Lou Kington on December 27, 1965, in Roseville. They discovered they enjoyed researching their Ancestry which leads them to travel to historic sites in the USA and abroad. He was a Life Member of Illinois Historical Society, Sons of American Revolution, Abingdon American Legion, Galesburg Veterans Foreign Wars, National Education Association, Avon Federated Church and Avon Harmony Masonic Lodge.
He is survived by his loving wife of 54 years, Mary Lou; one son, Charles Robert Delahunt II (Cynthia Sanchez); grandson Robert, of Chicago; and one brother, Jack P. Delahunt (Eileen) of Florida. He was preceded in death by his parents; an infant son, Jack K. Delahunt; daughter, Susan Delahunt; brother, William “Bill” Neale Delahunt; and sister, Evelyn Kay Haier.
Cremation will be accorded. Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Saturday, February 22, 2020, at the Hinchliff-Pearson-West Funeral Directors and Cremation Services Abingdon Chapel. Masonic rites will be at offered at 11:30 a.m. followed by his memorial service officiated by Rev. Jon Prain and military rites. A private burial will be at the Avon Cemetery at a later date.
Memorials may be made to Abingdon-Avon Public Schools Foundation in care of Jim Davis, Treasurer, 500 W. Latimer St., Abingdon, IL 61410. Online condolences may be made at www.h-p-w.com.
