Robert A. Hare

Robert Alan Hare “Keno Bob”, 88, of Galesburg, Illinois, died unexpectedly expected at his home on Tuesday, September 8, 2026. He was born March 29, 1938, in Aurora, Illinois, to Bernard Francis and Mary Verla (Collopy) Hare. Bob graduated from Galesburg High School in 1956.

Bob served in the United States Marine Corps until he was medically discharged. He later worked at Swanson’s Seed Farm before beginning a long career with Maytag, where he retired as a foreman after 43 years of service.

Bob first married Carol, and together they raised their two children, Mark and Tracy. Although their marriage eventually ended, Bob’s journey brought him to Debbie, and the two were married on October 4, 1999, in Las Vegas, Nevada. Together, Bob and Debbie built a life centered around family, friendships, and many years of shared memories.

Bob loved Las Vegas and enjoyed gambling, especially Keno, which earned him the nickname that followed him throughout the years—“Keno Bob.” He also enjoyed sports, the drawings at Harley’s Tavern and Hickey’s, and the many friendships he made along the way, including his good friend Willie Hickey.

While Bob had a stubborn streak that those who knew him well will certainly remember, he also had a generous and kind heart. He was someone his family could count on, and he had a way of making people feel like he would always be there. To those who loved him, Bob often seemed almost invincible. He kept doing the things he loved and living life on his own terms for as long as he could.

More than anything, Bob loved his family. He looked forward to holidays, birthdays, family gatherings, and any opportunity to have the people he loved around him. He especially cherished his grandchildren and took great pride in every one of them. He and Debbie adopted and raised their granddaughters, Kaley Smith and Kinsley Wilson, and together they created a home filled with family and love.

Bob is survived by his wife, Debbie Hare, of Galesburg, Illinois; his children, Mark Hare (Linnea) of Henderson, IL and Tracy (Jason) Grant of St. Petersburg, FL; stepchildren Amanda Forrest of Kewanee, IL, Brandi Bridgewater of Galesburg, IL, and Brandon Wilson of Mount Sterling, IL; granddaughters Kaley Smith and Kinsley Wilson; grandchildren Shelby Carraway (Zach), Ian Hare (Tiffany), Justin Hare (Mikayla), Magellan Grant, Maslin Grant, Tucker Forrest, Trapper Forrest, Aleckzavier Bridgewater, and Avayah Bridgewater; great-grandchildren Nova, Emmalyn, Alayna, and Lily; and his brother, Ronald Hare, of New Port Richey, Florida.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Bernard Francis and Mary Verla Hare, and his brothers, Richard and Rodney Hare.

Bob leaves behind a lifetime of memories—family celebrations, friendships, stories, stubborn moments, laughter, and countless little things that will forever remind those who loved him of him. He will be deeply missed and forever loved by his family and friends.

Cremation will be accorded, and no services will be held per his request. Arrangements have been entrusted to Watson Thomas Funeral Home and Crematory, Galesburg. Online expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.watsonthomas.com.