Robert Harry “Bob” Huyear, 95, of Carlinville, died Saturday, Feb. 14, 2026, after a brief stay at Lakeside Health Center.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, February 19, 2026, from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. at Davis-Anderson Funeral Home in Carlinville. Mass of Christian Burial will be conducted at 11 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 19, at Ss Mary and Joseph Catholic Church in Carlinville. Burial will follow in New Calvary Cemetery in Carlinville.
Mr. Huyear was born on Feb. 5, 1931, to Harry (H.T.) and Annie (Bompkamp) Huyear at home on the family farm in Carlinville. He attended school through his eighth grade graduation. After school, he continued to work on the family farm and also for neighbors’ farms. As much as he loved farm work, he loved semi-trucks even more. Mr. Huyear began driving a semi-truck for Elmore Gorham when he was around the age of 18.
Mr. Huyear was drafted into the United States Army in the spring of 1952. Before leaving for boot camp, he married the love of his life, Wilma Holliday, on July 4, 1952. He was stationed in Ft. Knox, KY, for three months before being shipped overseas to Linz, Austria, for 18 months.
After his return home from the service, Mr. Huyear and his wife started building their business, Huyear Trucking. He loved driving a semi-truck and did not retire (partially) until he was 82. He continued to haul rock for driveways and completed his last one at the age of 92.
Mr. Huyear was a social person who enjoyed being around others. He was a founding member of the Macoupin Agricultural Antique Association and a member of the Midwest Truckers Association for over 60 years. He was also an Elks, American Legion, ATHS Lincoln Trails Chapter, and Macoupin County Historical Society member.
Mr. Huyear enjoyed attending antique tractor and truck shows with his family and friends. One of his greatest joys was driving his Farmall Super M tractor or his 409 Chevy truck through parades. He loved teaching his grandsons how to drive antique tractors.
Mr. Huyear is survived by his daughter, Judy (Darryl) Rothermich from St. Charles, MO; three grandsons: John (Molly) Winsel, Joel (Logan Popejoy) Winsel, all of St. Charles, MO, and Jarid Winsel of Carlinville; one sister, Marge Drew of Carlinville; several nieces and nephews; a very special nephew, Robert L. (Becky) Huyear; and friend Dan (Lisa) Hauter, with whom he had become especially close with since the loss of his wife. He was also excitedly anticipating the arrival of his first great-granddaughter in June.
Mr. Huyear was preceded in death by his parents; wife; four brothers, Harold, Clarence, Eugene, and Raymond Huyear; one nephew, Gerry Huyear; and one niece, Betty Breese.
Memorials to be made to Macoupin County Historical Society. Please visit www.davisandersonfuneralhome.com to leave condolences or light a candle in memory. Davis-Anderson Funeral Homes, Carlinville, is in charge of arrangements.
