Robert W. "Bob" Lilly, Sr., age 88 of Elwood, passed away Tuesday, June 21, 2016 surrounded by his family at his home after an extended illness. He was born October 14, 1927 in Elwood, the son of James Harrison and Mary Catherine (Bendler) Lilly. Bob was a well-known auto mechanic and co-owner of Lilly's Garage and auto body repair shop with his brother Joe Lilly, a second-generation business started by his father. He was a 1946 graduate of Wendell L. Willkie High School. Bob married Mildred L. Cook on April 8, 1948 and they shared more than 63 years together. He attended Grace United Methodist Church in Elwood, was a member of the Elwood Order of Eastern Star and was a 50-year member of the Quincy Masonic Lodge. He was a lifetime member of the Elwood Fraternal Order of Police and had received special recognition for being a supporter for over thirty years. Bob enjoyed fishing and bird hunting in Southern Indiana, and also helped his father raise bird dogs when he was younger. He and his brothers built dragsters, and in the 1950's their car won the World Championship, a national event held at an Illinois airstrip. One car they built is still shown locally at the Elwood Glass Festival by its current owner.

Bob's family includes his son, Robert W. "Bob" (wife Anita) Lilly, Jr. of Elwood; 3 grandchildren, Trisha (husband Tom) Moser of North Carolina, Lindsay Lilly of Elwood, and R. Wyatt Lilly of Elwood; great-grandson, Raymond Sampson of Elwood; sister, Helen Gough of Elwood; and several nieces and nephews.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Mildred L. Lilly in 2011; 2 brothers, Joseph Lilly and James H. Lilly.

A public graveside memorial service will be conducted at 2:00 PM on Tuesday, June 28, 2016 at Sunset Memorial Park Cemetery in Elwood with Rev. Bill Johnston of Grace United Methodist Church officiating. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Copher-Fesler-May Funeral Home. Online condolences may be made at copherfeslermay.com.