Robert Walker

Robert W. “Bob” Walker, age 89, U.S. Army veteran, a Naperville, IL resident since 2023, formerly of Springfield, Glen Ellyn and Aurora, IL, passed away on Saturday, October 11, 2025, at Sunrise of Naperville North. He was born on February 12, 1936, in Springfield, IL.

Beloved husband of Eileen Kimbrough (née Jones), whom he married December 9, 2011 and the late Kathleen Ann Walker (née Taeckens), whom he married on April 25, 1957 and who preceded him in death on February 28, 2010, loving father of Cathy Jo Trader, the late Patricia Walker (infant), Linda S. Walker, Sara L. (John) Clarke and Robert W. Walker, Jr., adored grandfather of James M. (Stephanie) Trader, Matthew J. (Virginia) Trader and Carolyn S. Clarke, cherished great-grandfather of six, devoted son of the late Walter Robert and Georgia B. (nee Powers) Walker and friend of many.

Bob grew up in Springfield, IL, was a graduate of Feitshans High School and served in the U.S. Army.

Bob had a long and distinguished career in telecommunications from 1960-1994 at Illinois Bell, Ameritech, and Bell Canada International, focusing on the field of network design. He emerged as thought leader during the time of transformation in the telecommunications industry in the 1980’s and 1990’s. He championed new processes and technologies during his time at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) including work on the development of artificial intelligence.

Bob also studied at The Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania for his MBA and became a lecturer at the University of Illinois on creative thinking and entrepreneurial behavior. In 1994, after his retirement, he founded ComSource, a technology consulting company that he operated until 2009.

During the 1990’s, Bob became a national expert in telecommunications interconnection negotiations. Bob shared his expertise and helped WorldNet open the telecommunications market in Puerto Rico and bring service and technology for the whole island to parity with much of the United States mainland.

A gifted writer, Bob was a member of Naperville Writers Group and contributed to their annual publication for more than 12 years. He also authored: Downstate: A Brief History of Natural and Man Made Tragedies in Southern Illinois. Bob’s other hobbies included woodworking, painting and reading.

A private inurnment will be held at a future date in Lisle Cemetery, Lisle, IL.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Bob’s memory may be made to: 

St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105, 1-800-822-6344, https://www.stjude.org

Arrangements by Friedrich-Jones Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 44 S. Mill St, Naperville, IL 60540.

For more information, please call (630) 355-0213 or visit www.friedrich-jones.com