Obituary of Bobby Lumpkins
Bobby Lumpkins, passed away peacefully on Monday, September 15, 2025, at his home in Joliet, Illinois, at the age of 69. He was born on August 22, 1956, in Russellville, Alabama, the beloved son of the late Clyde and Emma Lumpkins.
Bob's early years were shaped by his education at Morton East High School and Lane Tech High School. Following high school, he answered the call to serve his country as a member of the United States Marine Corps, a role he carried out with honor and dedication.
Bob brought that same spirit of commitment and diligence to his professional life. For 35 years, he was a reliable presence at Allied Van Lines, and for the past nine years, he served as a Lead Maintenance Technician at Hollywood Casino. His reputation as a hard worker who could fix just about anything, made him a vital part of every team he joined, and the first person others turned to for help - both professionally and personally.
Outside of work, Bob had a deep love for the outdoors, rock music, working with his hands, and the freedom of the open road. Some of his happiest days were spent riding his motorcycle with his wife, Barb, and gathering around the pool on summer days with his children and granddaughters. Those moments - filled with laughter, adventure, and the simple joy of being together - became the treasured memories his family will hold onto forever.
Bob cherished his role as a husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend. Above all else, nothing brought him more joy than spending time with his grandchildren, who knew him as a patient, loving, and fun “Papa”. He was the steady foundation of his family - someone who could always be counted on for encouragement, support, and unconditional love. Bob lived to make life easier for others. As a husband, father, and grandfather, he provided for his family in every way; his greatest fulfillment came from taking care of those he loved.
Bob is survived by his beloved wife of 20 years, Barbara (Abbs) Kurz Lumpkins; his children, Ashley (Timothy Arias) Lumpkins, Erik Lumpkins, Christopher (Kevin DeBauche) Kurz, and Alexandra Kurz; and his granddaughters, Olivia Nicole Arias and Aria Grace Arias. He also leaves behind his siblings, Clyde Lumpkins, Sheila Lumpkins, Kevin Pippin,Tammy (Ed) Scheidt; and his former wife, Carol (Simon) Lumpkins, along with numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, in-laws and friends who will miss him dearly.
Those who knew Bob will remember him as a compassionate, generous, selfless, and dependable man, who gave endlessly of himself, and made the world a better place simply by being in it. His legacy lives on in the countless lives he touched and the family he loved so deeply.
A Memorial Gathering for Bobby Lumpkins will be held on Sunday, October 12, 2025, at the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home, 3200 Black Rd., Joliet, IL 60431, from 1:00 p.m. until the time of Memorial Service at 4:00 p.m. Military Honors will be accorded under the auspices of the United States Marine Corps. As it was his request, cremation rites have been accorded.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in his name to the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation.
For more information, please call 815-741-5500 or visit his Memorial Tribute at www.fredcdames.com, where you can share a favorite memory or leave an online condolence.
