Robert Quillman

Bob Quillman, Sr. of Palos Heights, Illinois passed away on August 30, 2021 at the age of 86. Bob was born January 21, 1935 in Perry County, Illinois to Alta and Harley Quillman. A standout multi-sport athlete at Pinckneyville High School, Bob helped lead the Panthers to the state basketball finals in Champaign in 1951, 1952, and 1953. His 65-foot buzzer beater vs LaGrange in 1953 is the longest shot ever made in the IHSA Final Four. Bob spoke fondly his entire life of the joy of playing for legendary Pinckneyville coach Duster Thomas, the Panthers’ trips to Champaign, and playing in the inaugural game at Thomas Gymnasium. He was named 1st Team all-state in 1953. Recruited heavily to colleges for basketball, Bob picked Illinois Wesleyan University in Bloomington, where he played four years for Hall of Fame coach Jack Horenberger. Bob was a proud member of the Sigma Chi fraternity at IWU. With the help of IWU alums Jack and Garry Kinder, Bob started his professional career in the insurance industry. He went on to found Bob Quillman Brokerage in downtown Chicago, an award willing Life & Health insurance agency, which he managed and owned for over 30 years. In 1973, Bob was the president of the Life Executives Club of Chicago. After relocating to Chicago after college, Bob met the love of his life, Joan (McClowry). Bob and Joan were married 53 years and were inseparable. They shared a love of travel and especially cherished their many trips to Hilton Head Island, South Carolina and Door County, Wisconsin. An outstanding baseball mind and strong leader, Bob loved his days associated with Oak Lawn Baseball. He was a sponsor, league official, manager, coach, and umpire. Bob was selected to manage several all-star teams and made lifelong impressions on countless young men. Bob was a lifelong St. Louis Cardinals fan, and was extremely proud of their eight World Series titles during his lifetime. Bob was very proud of his son (Bob, Jr.) and daughter (Erin), who both followed their father’s footsteps to Illinois Wesleyan. He was loving and supportive to Bob and Erin and always ready to help. Bob had a genuine passion for small college basketball during his retirement years. He followed the Illinois Wesleyan Titans closely, and was a fixture, with Joan, at St. Xavier University basketball games for over 20 years. In 2012, Bob became a grandfather with the birth of Alex (Cluts), and two years later Isaac (Cluts) followed. Bob cherished spending time with his grandsons, including the every Friday visits he’d make w/ Joan. Bob was preceded in death by his mother, Alta, and father, Harley. He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Joan (McClowry); children Robert, Jr. of Dallas, TX and Erin (Cluts) of Batavia, IL; daughter in law Rosemary (Travis) and son-in-law Geoff (Cluts); and grandsons Alex and Isaac (Cluts). A visitation for Bob in planned for Thursday 9:00 a.m until time of Funeral Service 11:00 a.m. at Palos- Gaidas Funeral Home 11028 Southwest Hwy. Palos Hills IL 60465 Interment Holy Sepulchre Cemetery