Robert L. Mayes, 80, Enjoyed Piloting and Traveling

Obituary of Robert L. Mayes

Robert L. Mayes, age 80, of Yorkville, IL passed away on Sunday, July 21, 2013 at his home surrounded by his loving family.  He was born December 20, 1932, in Clifton, IL the son of Luther and Theodocia (Weaver) Mayes.

Bob was united in marriage on January 3, 1954 in Ashkum, IL to the former Shirley Anderson, and they spent the next 52 years together until her passing on May 3, 2006.   Robert served his country proudly with the United States Air Force from 1953 until 1957.  He worked as an Air Traffic Controller and at the Defense Mapping Agency Aero Space Center, retiring from Federal Service. 

He was a member of Cedardell Golf Course, Plattville United Methodist Church, American Legion Post 489, Experimental Aircraft Association Chapter 579, Yorkville Lions Club, Citizens Police Academy Alumni of Yorkville, and the Kendall County Historical Society where he volunteered many hours of mowing.   He was an avid golfer, spending many hours with friends at Cedardell, on the links and playing euchre.

Bob also loved to travel.  He was a pilot with Private, Commercial, Instrument, and Multi-engine ratings. One of his most memorable trips was flying his family to California in a Cherokee Six. He enjoyed his travels to Germany, Africa, Alaska, Nova Scotia, Canada, Mexico, and many golf trips throughout the U.S. 

Bob is survived by his children, Sheryl (Wes) Stewart, Rebecca (Tim) Johnson, Randal (Carla) Mayes; his grandchildren, Adrienne Kelley, Nicholas (Jessica), Scott, and Stephanie Johnson, Joseph Mayes, Carolyn (Aaron) Jensen; his great-grandchildren, Daniel James, Myah, Sienna, and Evan; his sister, Lois Feldhaus, many nieces and nephews; and special friend Bonnie Gunterman.    

He was preceded in death by his wife Shirley, his grandson, Daniel Robert Kelley, his parents and 12 of his 13 brothers and sisters. 

Memorials may be directed to the Daniel Kelley Young Eagles Scholarship Fund at EAA Chapter 579, c/o Lawrence O. Shaw, Treasurer, 147 N. Buckingham Drive, Sugar Grove, IL  60554 or The Compassionate Friends, Fox Valley Chapter, P.O. Box 343, Warrenville, IL  60555.

A Funeral Service will be held at 10:00 AM on Thursday, July 25, 2013 at the Larson-Nelson Funeral Home, 410 East Countryside Parkway, Yorkville, IL with Pastor Terry McLaughlin, officiating. Interment will follow in the Elmwood Cemetery in Yorkville, IL. 

Friends may visit from 4:00 until 7:00 pm on Wednesday, July 24, 2013 at the Funeral Home in Yorkville, IL.  Arrangements by Nelson Funeral Homes & Crematory, www.NelsonFuneralHomes.com or (630 553-7611.