Obituary of Robert A. Kinmonth
Robert A. “Bob” Kinmonth, age 85, of Joliet, passed away peacefully, Friday, May 22, 2026, at Lightways Hospice.
In preparing his own obituary, Bob wrote, “Well friends, my time here on earth has come to an end, and may I be in Heaven a half-hour before the devil knows I’m dead. Many thanks to all my friends for always being there for me. I sincerely appreciated it.”
Born April 2, 1941, in Norwich, Connecticut, he was the son of Carl and Delila (Bitgood) Kinmonth.
Bob was a proud veteran of the United States Marine Corps, attaining the rank of Lance Corporal, and his faith was enhanced by his membership in the Knights of Columbus, Council #382, where he was a 4th Degree Knight.
Being a railroad buff, he considered himself fortunate to have had the opportunity to work as an Office Clerk for a few years for the Rock Island Railroad, which he fully agreed was a “mighty fine line.” For the next forty-plus years, he owned and operated his own landscaping business, Joliet Lawn Service, of which he was very proud and made many lifelong friendships with customers who became like family.
He enjoyed country dancing with his many friends and with his best friend, Joan, and cherished all the fun and good times they had together.
Bob often said that one of the best things that happened in his life was being blessed with two wonderful children, his daughter, Kathy, and his son, Dan. And he was always grateful for, and wished to thank their mother, Judy, for being there for them and helping them become outstanding adults.
Bob is survived by his devoted son, Daniel “Dan” Kinmonth of Streamwood. He was preceded in death by his loving daughter, Kathy Kinmonth-Shafer in 2008; his parents; and his dear sister and brother, Linda G. Kinmonth and Harold C. Kinmonth.
Bob closed his obituary with the words, “So long until our paths cross again.”
Visitation for Bob Kinmonth will be held Wednesday, May 27, 2026, from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m., at the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home, 3200 Black Road, Joliet. Funeral services will be held Thursday, May 28, 2026, at 9:00 a.m., from the funeral home chapel to St. Joseph Catholic Church, 416 N. Chicago Street, Joliet where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. Interment will be in Resurrection Cemetery, Romeoville, where military honors will be accorded by the United States Marine Corps.
In lieu of flowers, memorials in his name to Lightways Hospice and Serious Illness Care (www.lightways.org) or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital (www.stjude.org) would be appreciated.
For more information, please call (815) 741-5500 or visit his Memorial Tribute at www.fredcdames.com where you can leave an online condolence or share a favorite
