Robert "Bob" L. Hecox, Jr.

Robert L. Hecox, Jr., 61, of Loves Park, IL left this earth to be with our Heavenly Father on Sunday, September 30, 2018 in his home surrounded by his loving family. Bob was born on April 3, 1957 in Rockford IL, the son of Robert L. and Sandra L. (Trotter) Hecox. He was married to Sharon “Kay” Hart in Rockford, IL on August 19, 1978 and together they had six beautiful children.  Bob owned and operated a family heating and air-conditioning business with his father for many years - Custom Sheet Metal and Custom Comfort Systems.  Most recently, he fulfilled his lifelong dream of working alongside his son forming Express Comfort which meant the world to him. He always taught his children the importance of doing a perfect job and was the best at sales and custom installation. He had many customers who trusted him and called him for problems unrelated to his business, because they knew he could or would help them figure it out.  Bob attended the Devry University in Chicago, was a member of Contractors Success Group for many years, and was a Master Salesman. Bob attended many HVAC schools and was not the “average Joe”. He attended every class or read every book he could to be the leader in his profession and in whatever he did. He encouraged and expected the same from his children. As a self-taught learner, Bob was a friend, teacher, and a mentor to many as he willingly shared his knowledge, talents and abilities.

Bob enjoyed traveling to exotic places with his family and friends, including many trips to Peru, Mexico, Hawaii, Cayman Islands, Bahamas and Jamaica. His children enjoyed many experiences while traveling with their dad and were always guaranteed to go off the beaten path on any adventure. Bob was very knowledgeable about many things and his sharing of culture and ability to engineer or figure out a solution to any problem will be greatly missed. He always knew the best places to eat and the coolest places to go no matter what part of the world one was traveling to. Bob instilled in those he loved his ability to see the beauty and appreciation of even the smallest things. Bob enjoyed riding his bike, gardening and being outdoors, collecting rocks, music, and all things mechanical. Bob loved his family most of all and assured them he would be watching over them and preparing a place in Heaven until they meet again. His courage and strength over the past few years will be remembered by all.

Survivors include the love of his life, Sharon “Kay” Hecox; children Rebecca (Jason) Heyerdahl, Stacy (Ryan) Brady, Miranda (Zach Balluff) Hecox, Robert “Max” (Dezarae Shafala) Hecox, Stephany (Lawrence) Cornellier, and Robin “Katie” Hecox; 9 grandchildren and one on the way; mother, Sandra Hecox; brothers Donald (Jackie) Hecox, Chris (Susan) Hecox, Gayle Hecox, Rodney (Sheila) Hecox, and Derrick Hecox; and sister, Dawn (Chuck Jansen) Hecox, and many brother and sisters-in-law; nieces and nephews, his dog Peanut, and special friends. He was predeceased by his father and grandparents. 

Special thanks to his daughter Miranda for being continually by his side, giving so much love, medical care, and time for all of us. Thank you to the doctors and nurses at Northwestern Medicine, Chicago IL; Dr. Tiffanie Ferry of Swedish American and Deacon Pete of St. Anthony of Padua, Rockford, IL.

A visitation will be held Tuesday, October 9, 2018 at 10:00am in St. Bridget Catholic Church, 600 Clifford Avenue, Loves Park, 61111 with a Mass of Christian Burial following at 11:00am. Cremation rites to then be accorded. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the family.

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