Robert “Bob” William Ray Boldrey age 79, of Olney passed away Friday, November 14, 2025 at his home surrounded by his family.
Robert “Bob” William Ray Boldrey age 79, of Olney passed away Friday, November 14, 2025 at his home surrounded by his family.
Funeral services celebrating Bob’s life will be held at 12 noon, Monday, November 17, 2025 at the Crain Funeral Home, Newton with Dale Harlan officiating. Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. until service time Monday in the funeral home. Burial will be in the Brooks Cemetery, rural Newton.
Bob was born on June 17, 1946, in Robinson, Illinois the son of Robert Berton and Margaret Lavina (Gibson) Boldrey. Bob was a graduate of Newton Community High School, class of 1964. Following high school, Bob began working at the Olney Shoe Factory. There, he met his future wife, Kathy S. Shidler. They married on July 26, 1969, and shared fifty-six wonderful years together. Bob later began working for Champion Labs plant in West Salem before moving to the Albion location, where he retired after 32 years.
Throughout his life, Bob had many interests and past times. He loved history and learning, cars and music. From his youth, Bob grew his music collection, varying from country, classic rock, pop to Motown. His greatest passion was sports. His family described him as a sports connoisseur. He enjoyed the games, keeping the stats and the general history of the various sports organizations. His favorite team was the St. Louis Cardinals. With his love of baseball, Bob coached 14 youth league baseball for many years. In Olney area sports, he loved track and field and cross country. He and Kathy attended the races and were named the “super” fans.
While he loved his past times, Bob loved his family even more. He loved spending time with them and involved them in his love of sports and music. He enjoyed playing cards, Monopoly and traveling. He didn’t like to fly and preferred driving trips. Driving trips allowed for stops and chances to talk with folks he met along the way. “He never knew a stranger” was the perfect quote for Bob. He loved to tease and had a wicked sense of humor. He brought a light to the room that will be forever cherished by his family.
Bob will be loved and remembered by his wife, Kathy Boldrey of Olney; children, Dawn S. Kibler, husband Eldon of Newton and Jon Robert Boldrey, wife Amber of Olney; granddaughter, Drew Ray Elle Kibler of Newton; sister Blanche Crites of Claremont; brother, Steve Boldrey of Willow Hill and brother-in-law, Ted Jones of Willow Hill and his grand fur babies that he lovingly called “The Little Yippers”.
His parents and sisters, JoAnn Wilson, Loretta McGlothlin, Sharon Jones and grand fur babies preceded him in death.
Memorial gifts in honor of Bob may be made to the family to assist with funeral expenses.
Online condolences may be offered at www.crainfuneral.com.
