Obituaries

George Robert Kilgore Jr.

July 12, 2025

Bob Kilgore (George Robert Kilgore Jr.), entered the presence of the Lord he loved on Saturday, July 12, 2025 after a long battle with pulmonary fibrosis.

Born in Bristol, VA, he was the son of Bob and Beryl Kilgore. He was married for 52 years to Carol, who preceded him in death in 2015, and was wonderfully supported by his wife Joanne, in this last six years of his life.

Bob grew up in a blue-collar family in Florida, where he learned the value of hard work and family. He trusted in Jesus Christ as his personal Savior early in life which set him on a long journey of serving the Lord.

After graduating from Philadelphia College of Bible College, he received degrees in Bible and Theology from Columbia Bible College and Seminary, Dallas Theological Seminary, and Trinity Divinity School.

Bob served as a missionary in Guatemala where he led a Bible institute. Then he taught at Philadelphia College of Bible (now Cairn University) for 25 years, while also being involved on the board of a number of other organizations. He served as a professor, pastor, elder, and mentor.

He loved to study and teach the Bible as well as consult for other organizations. Most recently he was involved at Calvary Church, Lancaster, PA as an elder, on the pastoral care team, the Global ministries team, and as a teacher of the Truthfinders ABF. All of these activities because he loved the Lord.

He deeply loved his family. He was the proud father of Elizabeth “Libby” Essig (Mike) of Seminole, FL, and Rev. Stephen Kilgore (Mary Anne) of Lancaster, PA.

He was immensely grateful for and proud of his grandchildren, Aimee Adsit (Jonny Lawrence), Andrew Kilgore (Lauren), Nathan Kilgore (Marissa Peticca), and Matthew Adsit (Kayla Fretz), and great grandchildren, Eliza and Korbin. He regularly spoke of his deep love for them.

Bob is survived by one sister, Martha MacCullough, and two nieces, Sheryl and Deborah MacCullough.

Friends and family are invited to attend a celebration of Bob’s life at Calvary Church, 1051 Landis Valley Road, Lancaster PA, 17601, on Friday, July 25, 2025. Visitation will take place at 4:45 PM with a memorial service to follow at 6:00. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to Hospice and Community Care of Lancaster or Rio Grande Bible Ministries.

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Condolences to the Family

July 27, 2025

I come across the Kilgore name…my Gram was Lottie Mae Kilgore, grew up in Whitwell, TN and buried in Temple Cemetery in Hazen, PA. I’m sorry because your Dad.
Jenn Buffington

July 19, 2025

To the family of your dear departed loved one, Bob Kilgore:
We give our deepest sympathy and grieve the loss of your father, grandfather, great grandfather and brother. This loss will be deeply felt by all who knew him. Selflessly,Bob had shared the spiritual gifts of the Holy spirit bestowed upon him to those near and far. May the Lord’s grace, peace, and mercy be upon each of you. Calvary Church, Lancaster PA

July 18, 2025

I was blessed to serve as Bob’s assistant for several years at Christar during his time as US Director prior to the move to Richardson, Texas. I will always remember Bob’s love for the Lord; endless energy; commitment to the mission, vision and values of Christar, and his love for his family. Praying that his family and friends will be comforted by the many memories of Bob, and knowing he is with his Lord and Savior. Karen (Shade) Shaffner

July 15, 2025

Our sympathies go to each of his family members.
Bob is missed my many. He had a great influence on world missions having served on the board of Christar for 26 years and as chair for 22 – 23 years and 4 and 1/2 years as US director. He also served for 20 years on the board of Rio Grande Bible Institute. Patrick Cate

July 14, 2025

It was such a pleasure meeting Bob and taking care of him. He definitely made an impact on me in our short time of knowing each other. I am praying for his family. May God bless you and comfort you during this time. Lana Flores

Visitation: Friday, July 25, 2025; 4:45 PM - 6:00 PM; Calvary Church; 1051 Landis Valley Rd; Lancaster, PA 17601
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Services: Friday, July 25, 2025; 6:00 PM; Calvary Church; 1051 Landis Valley Rd; Lancaster, PA 17601
Map and Directions: Get Maps and Directions >