Robert J. Larkin, 75, of Mount Carmel, Illinois, passed away Thursday, March 24, 2022, at Wabash General Hospital, surrounded by his loved ones. He was born on December 2, 1946, the eighth child of Harvey and Mary Elva (Brown) Larkin. After graduating from Carmi Township Highschool, and just before joining the United States Air Force, Bob married Patricia Odom on December 3, 1965, in Carmi, at the Church of Christ.
Bob’s occupations ranged from oilfield worker to mechanic to coal miner which he worked for thirty-five plus years. Throughout his life he enjoyed sports of all kinds. Hunting and archery were among his favorites and later in life his favorites were swimming, hunting, and golfing. Bob was an active member of the Mount Carmel Church of Christ and a member of the United Mine Workers of America. He was a kind man whose big smile, boisterous laugh and big hugs will be greatly missed.
Bob leaves behind his loving wife of fifty-six years, Pat; two daughters, Rebekah Leach and husband Michael, Robin Jones and husband Jerry; six grandchildren, Caleb Leach, Brookelyn Bohach, Jonathan Leach, Avery Webb, Matthew Leach, and Sydney Jones; nine great-grandchildren and one on the way; two sisters, Jean (Floyd) James of Arkansas and Naomi (Larry) Mattingly of Mississippi; a special uncle and aunt, John and Marcia Brown of Tulsa Oklahoma; several nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Bob was preceded in death by his parents; three sisters, Janice Larkin, Edna Larkin, and Lois Dunnagan; two brothers, Richard, and Raymond Larkin.
Family and friends are invited to gather for a Visitation from 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m., Tuesday, March 29, 2022, in the Chapel of Keepes Funeral Home.
Funeral Services will be 1:00 p.m., Tuesday, March 29, 2022, in the Chapel of Keepes Funeral Home with Pastor Bobby Smith officiating. Burial will follow at Antioch Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made in Bob’s memory to Wabash County Bow Hunters Club. Envelopes will be at the funeral home or can be mailed to Keepes Funeral Home, 1500 North Cherry Street, Mount Carmel, IL 62863.
Keepes Funeral Home is serving the family with the arrangements.To view Bob’s tribute wall, purchase flowers and leave condolences for the Larkin family, please visit www.keepesfuneralhome.com
