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Paducah Jan. 27, 1934 | Oct. 20, 2024
Paducah | Jan. 27, 1934 | Oct. 20, 2024

Robert “Bob” Day, age 90, of Paducah Kentucky, passed away peacefully at his home on Sunday, October 20, 2024. He was born January 27, 1934 in Golconda, Illinois. Bob was a longtime resident of Paducah and a member of Twelve Oaks Baptist Church.  He was a dedicated river man, and devoted his life to the betterment of the economy and the lives of the people impacted by the river industry.

In 1952, he began his life on the river.  Bob was quickly promoted through the ranks becoming a dispatcher, and retired after serving many years as Vice-President of Walker Towing Cooperation. He possessed a keen intellect and warm spirit which endeared him to the people he served.  Among his vast accomplishments was moving Walker Towing Cooperation to its present location on Clarks River Road in Paducah which demonstrated his foresight and knowledge of the industry,

In 1966, he held the first meeting between the Corps of Engineers and the towing industry, which resulted in much-needed changes within the industry. Bob served as a board member for the National River Academy in Helena, Arkansas and from 1975 until his passing, he served on the Paducah-McCracken River Port Board. Also in 1975, he was honored with a commission as a Kentucky Colonel by then-Governor Julian M. Carroll.

Bob accepted an appointment as co-chair of the Ohio River Ice Community in 1977 and was commissioned as an Admiral of the Department of Transportation of the Commonwealth of Kentucky the following year.  In 1980, he was elected to serve on then-Governor John Y. Brown Jr.’s Task Force on Earthquakes where he served for three years.  Bob was involved in his community and twice served as President of the Paducah Propeller Club and Master Mason of the Grand Lodge of Kentucky.  He was a member of Paducah Masonic Lodge #127.

For decades Bob has been a Noble of the Mystic Shrine in Rizpah Temple.  He was also a member of the Elks and Moose Club.  Bob was an avid golfer and served ten years on the Board of Directors of Rolling Hills Country Club.  Beyond the fairways, the camaraderie, and the challenges of the game, he enjoyed playing gin rummy with his many friends.  His remarkable legacy defined by his professional excellence and personal zest will be remembered by all those fortunate to have crossed his path.

Mr. Day is survived by his daughter, Penny Day Bane and Barry Schellenschlager of Benton, KY; his grandchildren, McKenzie Bane (Kelsey) of Glenelg, MD and India Bane (Jim) of Ft. Lauderdale, FL; his great-granddaughter, Ivy Bane of Glenelg, MD along with cousins, Robert Odle of Arizona and Clyde Odle of Illinois; his brother-in-law, Claude Reed (Murph) of Wisconsin; his sister-in-law, Nora Neumeister of Wisconsin; his niece, Lori Stanley (Melvin) of Arkansas.

Mr. Day was preceded in death by his wife of 66 years, Barbara Ann Day; his sons, Jimmy Day and Robert Day; his mother, Lexie Day; his brother-in-law, Kenneth Reed.

A memorial service with visitation will be held in the spring of 2025 at Milner & Orr Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Paducah.  Burial will take place at Oddfellows Cemetery in Golconda, IL.

Expressions of sympathy may take the form of contributions to your favorite charity. Share a memory or leave a message for the family at www.milnerandorr.com.

 


Milner and Orr Funeral Homes
120 Memorial Drive
Paducah, KY 42001
Email : paducah@milnerandorr.com Phone : (270) 442-5100