The leader of a prominent family-owned Midwest trucking company who was active in national industry organizations died Sunday, Oct. 25.
Robert R. Baylor, who was involved in his family’s Milan, Ind.-based Baylor Trucking for some 40 years, was active in the American Trucking Associations, Truckload Carriers Association and Indiana Motor Truck Association. He also was the first recipient of the James Prout “Spirit of Giving” award for his involvement with Wreaths Across America.
He was 67.
Robert Baylor (right) receives the Past Chairman’s Award from Barry Pottle of the Truckload Carriers AssociationRobert Baylor’s obituary:
Robert R. Baylor 67, of Lawrenceburg, Ind. passed away Sunday, October 25, 2015. Bob was born March 7, 1948, in Batesville, Indiana a son of Chester Baylor and Ruth Hamilton Baylor. Bob married Beth Neal, his high school sweetheart and love of his life, in 1969 at Osgood United Methodist Church.
Bob graduated from Hanover College with the class of 1970 as a member of the Lambda Chi Alpha Fraternity and Collegiate Letterman in baseball and basketball. As newlyweds, Bob and Beth went to Miami University where they both received Masters Degrees in Education. Bob joined the United States Army in 1971 and was stationed at Fort Belvoir, Virginia where he coached basketball for the West Point Prep School. After proudly serving his country in the Army, Bob returned to Indiana to teach and coach high school basketball. In 1975, he joined his father and brother in the family business where together they transformed the company from a handful of trucks to becoming a nationally award winning fleet.
Bob was extremely active with industry associations. He served on the American Trucking Association (ATA) Board of Directors and Nominating Committee as well as Truckload Carriers Association (TCA) Executive and Scholarship Committee. With these positions he was a passionate advocate for industry safety and innovation for all transportation issues. Bob was also a past Chairman of the Indiana Motor Truck Association and received their Founders Award of recognition. He was awarded with the first James Prout “Spirit of Giving” award for his dedication and volunteerism with Wreaths Across America. Bob served as a Trustee for his alma mater Hanover College for nine years and was a member of the Masonic Lodge, Shrine Club and Milan Legion. Bob served his local community as a faithful steward to Hamline Chapel United Methodist Church and loved riding his motorcycle across the country numerous times to raise funds for Victory Junction Camp for children.
Surviving are his wife, Beth Baylor of Lawrenceburg, Indiana, daughters, Cari Beth Baylor of Lawrenceburg, Indiana; Kelly (William) Baylor Shelton of Lawrenceburg, Indiana; and granddaughters, Ella and Emily; father Chester, sister Bonnie Hammond, brother Steve (Judy) along with several nieces and nephews. Bob was preceded in death by his mother, Ruth Baylor.
Visitation will be held from 4 to 8 p.m. ET on Friday, October 30, 2015 at the Lawrenceburg Event Center located at 51 Walnut Street in Lawrenceburg, Indiana.
Funeral Services will be held at 10:30 a.m. ET on Saturday, October 31, 2015 at Hamline United Methodist Church located at 102 West High Street in Lawrenceburg, Indiana.
Burial will be in St. Paul Lutheran Church cemetery of Milan, Indiana following the funeral service.
Memorials may be made to Shriner’s Children Hospital or ALS Therapy Development Institute, www.alstdi.org c/o Bob Baylor Family Memorial.
For the convenience of out of town guests, a discounted room book is reserved at the Hilton by Doubletree which is adjacent to the Lawrenceburg Event Center. Family friends may call the hotel direct for reservations (812) 539.8888 using code L-DOS.
Arrangements by Neal’s Funeral Home, Osgood, Indiana.
