Robert Eugene “Bob” McWilliams Eugene “Bob” McWilliams

Robert “Bob” McWilliams, passed away on January 28, 2022, shortly after celebrating his 90th birthday with family. Bob and his wife Faith had been long time residents of Glen Ellyn before moving to the San Diego area in June. Bob grew up in Moline, Illinois, where he attended high school and met his future wife, Faith Carlson. They were married in 1952 while he was attending Augustana College studying to become a minister, and later served churches in East Dubuque and Clinton, Iowa.  After relocating to the Chicago area, Bob was instrumental in founding two new churches, including St. Thomas Methodist Church in Glen Ellyn, where he served for over 20 years. Bob completed his ministry service with St. John United Church of Christ in Naperville where he established a support group for members who had lost their jobs during the recession. Throughout his ministerial career, Bob was a voice for social justice, civil rights, and the preservation of human dignity. In later years, Bob found spiritual alignment with the Unitarian Church and he and Faith were active members of the local congregation in Geneva.

Bob was an accomplished tennis player and life-long tennis enthusiast. A star player on his high school team, he reached the finals of the Illinois State Men’s Doubles Championships his senior year. He continued playing competitively in college and played club tennis for many years. He and Faith celebrated their 50th anniversary by attending the Wimbledon Tennis Championships, fulfilling a life dream. It was fitting that Bob enjoyed his final evening at home watching the Australian Open Tennis Tournament on TV before his passing.

Bob’s true passion, however, was his family: Faith, his beloved wife of nearly 70 years; their three children; Mike, Tim, and Suzi (Hudson);their spouses; six grandchildren, and two great granddaughters. Many of Bob’s fondest memories were of family get togethers that he and Faith hosted in Door County, Wisconsin. 

Bob loved people, always bringing a smile to the faces of those around him with a kind word, a song, or a corny phrase, but often done so through a gift of his famous “Dang Good Fudge”. Bob will be missed.

A Celebration of Life Service will be hosted online by the Unitarian Universalist Society of Geneva on Sunday, February 27 at 3PM.

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