Robert E. "Bob" Newlin

Robert (Bob) E. Newlin, 89, passed away 11/7/2017 to be in heaven with his Savior Jesus Christ.  Resident of Oak Park 1952 – 1967 and resident of Geneva for 50 years.

Preceded in death by his beloved wife of 65 years, Barbara Barr.  Devoted father of Gregory (Martha) of Naperville, Linda Tjaden (Richard) of Bloomington, Douglas (Karen) of Wheaton, Cynthia Sandberg (James) of West Dundee.  Grandfather to Jason, Sean, Maggie, Katie, Rachel, and Will.  

Born 3/28/1928 to the late Clara & Earl Newlin, and grew up in Deer Creek, IL where he made lifelong friends.

Initiated into Phi Eta Sigma Honor Society 1947.  Received a Bachelors in Electrical Engineering from University of Illinois 1950, where he was a member of Triangle Engineering Fraternity, Interfraternity Council, and the Pi Tau Pi Sigma Service promoting Army Communications.  Served in the Korean War 1951-1952 as assistant commander in the Army Signal Service Corps - a Company of 550 men in Tokyo Japan, and as a radio relay team commander in the Eighth Army, positioned on top of a 2000 foot ridge behind the front line in Korea.  Employed by Motorola for ~17 years, where he served as Product Manager for Police 2-way Radios & Radio-Control Traffic Lights.  Helped conceive “MOCOM 10”, the first low power output 2-way radio.  Recognized for outstanding leadership as Advisor for the “Hi. Fi Company” in Junior Achievement 1956-1957. Subsequently employed by other companies in computer-related roles including AT&T where he implemented software to interconnect PCs and received the Ontology Award, and his own start-up in Geneva during the early days of Personal Computing.  Received an MBA 1962 from Northwestern University.  Recognized as a guest speaker at many technical conferences, including Unix Expo. Bob enjoyed walking by the river with his wife, jazz (especially the big bands), and caring for their cats.  He was a proponent for animal welfare and served as co-founder of Homes for Endangered & Lost Pets (H.E.L.P.). Active in the community and his children’s sports: organized a Youth Basketball Team for the First Congregational Church of Oak Park, supported the Geneva Swim Team, coached T-Ball and Junior League Football.  When Geneva relocated their HS football field, Bob served as project leader for the new lights in 1975. 

Visitation 11/11/2017, 11:00 at Malone Funeral Home, 324 E. State Street (Route 38), Geneva followed by a brief Memorial Service at 12:00. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials: H.E.L.P. of St. Charles www.helpinganimals.org, Tourette’s Syndrome Association www.tourette.org, Tuberous Sclerosis Alliance www.tsalliance.org, Angels Grace Hospice www.angelsgracehospice.com, or any charity benefiting animals.

For information 630-232-8233 or www.malonefh.com.

 Service Information