Robert E. "Bob" Velikis, 66, of Alton, passed away Friday, April 27, 2018, at his home.

He was born on May 16, 1951, in Quincy, Illinois, the son of Joseph L. and Myra Williams Velikis.

On Nov. 27, 1970, he married Marilyn Bruns in Wood River, Illinois. The two first met when he was 15 and she was 16 at a YMCA coffeehouse. Bob and Marilyn often joked that God brought them together when they were skipping Mass from St. Mary's and St. Patrick's to meet in Riverview Park.

Bob was a stay at home dad when his daughter was young, and later started doing handyman and odd and end jobs for landlords. He was a co-owner/operator of J&B Tree Service with his best friend and partner of 25+ years, Jack Bullock, who also passed away in April. Bob never passed up a chance to help anyone and never met anyone who wouldn't become his friend. He was kind and never mean or hurt anyone with a sharp word. He enjoyed fishing and making things with his hands. He loved Mark Twain, Lord of the Rings and Conan, and he was even writing his own Conan story. Although, Bob believed in God, he cherished the goodness in others.

He leaves behind his wife Marilyn of Alton, Illinois; a daughter, Elizabeth Velikis (Jonthan Carr) of Hammond, Indiana; a brother, James Velikis of Glen Carbon; and special friends, Wyatt Jones, Mandi Carroll, and Morgan McGlauchlen.

He is preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Richard Paynic and Joseph Velikis; and a sister, Kathleen Kincaid.

Cremation Rites have been accorded per his wishes.

Visitation will be held Wednesday, May 2, 2018, from 5-7 p.m. at the Elias Kallal and Schaaf Funeral Home in Alton.

Funeral Service will be held Wednesday May 2, 2018, at 7 p.m. at the funeral home.

Memorials can be given to the family or the Hayner Public Library.

Burial will be at a later date.

Online condolences may be made at www.eliaskallalandschaaf.com.