Roll Call Tribute

Robert Lee "Bob" Kilgore, Jr., DVM 

November 24, 1924 - March 24, 2020 

Dr. Robert “Bob” L. Kilgore Jr., age 95, passed away on Tuesday, March 24, 2020, at Butterfield Trail Village in Fayetteville, Arkansas. He was born on November 24, 1924, in Childress, Texas, to Robert L. Sr. and Grace (Reece) Kilgore. He was preceded in death by his loving wife of 67 years, Marcy (Cotton) Kilgore; and his sister, Patsy (Kilgore) Shoults of Arlington, Texas.

After graduating from Childress High School in 1942, Bob began college at Texas A&M University. He interrupted his education to join the Army Air Corps but returned to college when the war ended. He went on to Veterinary School at Texas A&M and married his high school sweetheart Marcy in October 1947 during his 2nd year of vet school. Upon graduation, Bob started working in veterinary research – first in Missouri and Texas, then in Arkansas and internationally. He conducted research with cattle, poultry, hogs and horses for over 35 years and his findings helped to develop many valuable treatments for animal diseases in the US and in Europe.

Over the years, Bob was very musically inclined and played the cornet, the sousaphone (tuba), and the organ. He loved all types of music and dancing, but was especially fond of polkas, marches, classical pieces and the jitterbug. He and Marcy loved camping, hiking and fly fishing. Their family spent many summer vacations in the mountains of Colorado. Even though his career often took him away from home, he loved playing card games when the family was together. In his later years, he was an avid photographer and won many awards for his photos. Bob and Marcy moved to Arizona and traveled extensively after his retirement. They were very devoted to a healthy lifestyle, exercising at least 3 times a week well into their 80s. In 2007 they moved back to Arkansas and the Ozarks they had always loved.

Bob is survived by his three children, Linda Box and husband Mickey of Berryville, Arkansas, Robert Kilgore and wife Martha of Allen, Texas, and Kris Dunlap of Chandler, Arizona; seven grandchildren, Rachel Clay, Amber Brown, Lindsay Box, Jade Kilgore, Kylie Kilgore, Keylee Dunlap and Zane Dunlap; and five great-grandchildren, Ian Brown, Lola Johnson, Ryan Wilson, Reese Johnson and Sophia-Rae Kilgore.

Bob's family is extremely grateful to his amazing companions who have gone above and beyond to love and care for him – they are truly his second family! The family would also like to thank all the staff at Butterfield Trail Village for their compassion and excellent care.

A private family graveside service will take place at Fairview Memorial Gardens in Fayetteville.

A memorial service to honor his life will take place at a later date.