Bob was born on August 27, 1951, in Brownsville, Tennessee to Otho and Lillie (Alexander) Christmas, and moved to Peoria, Illinois at the age of 2. He married Ruth Bolten on March 25, 1980, in Peoria, Illinois. She survives.
Also surviving are his daughter, Lauren Christmas (Bradley Barber) of Peoria; granddaughter, Juliette Christmas of Peoria; sister, Linda Schoon of Peoria; nephews Tim Schoon of Peoria, and John (Joe) Schoon of Jerseyville, Illinois. Through marriage, Bob is also survived by 1 sister in law, 4 nieces, 1 nephew and their families.
He was preceded in death by his parents; 2 brothers-in-law; and several aunts and uncles.
Bob owned and operated an A&W Root Beer stand before going to work for Keystone Steel and Wire for 10 years, ultimately becoming the Manager of Marketing and Advertising. He went on to work for Caterpillar as a Senior Global Communications Strategist and retired after 17 years. His career at Caterpillar took him to many countries all over the world. During his time at both Keystone and Caterpillar, Bob won many awards for his outstanding performance. At one time, Bob was a member of Kiwanis, and was involved with other organizations such as Junior Achievement and Friendship House.
Bob enjoyed being the pianist for many years at Grace Bible Church. He later attended Grace Presbyterian Church, where he was active in organizing and attending several Promise Keepers events. He then became a member of Bethany Baptist Church, where he served as an usher for many years, and led and attended many Bible studies. Bob loved his church family, but most of all, he loved his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Bob loved spending time with family, going on family outings, and eating a meal out together. In the last months of Bob’s life, nothing brought him greater joy than spending time with his newborn granddaughter, Juliette, who he lovingly called “Papa’s Peanut.” He loved music and art, and as a teenager played the cello in the Peoria Youth Symphony. Bob also loved to travel and always enjoyed meeting new people.
Bob courageously battled multiple myeloma, an aggressive blood cancer, for 14 years. His unwavering faith in Jesus sustained him throughout 2 stem cell transplants, leg reconstruction surgeries, and countless rounds of chemotherapy, immunotherapy and radiation. Throughout the 14 years of Bob’s illness, Bob and his wife Ruth networked with and provided helpful information and encouragement to many other multiple myeloma patients as they confronted cancer.
A private family service will be held. Burial will take place at Parkview Cemetery.
Memorials can be made to Bethany Baptist Church or the International Myeloma Foundation.
Words of comfort can be shared with the Christmas family at www.Davison-Fulton.com
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