Trucking Magnate Bob Baylor, 67, Dies

By Mike Perleberg Bob Baylor, president of Baylor Trucking, died on Sunday, October 25. He had been diagnosed with ALS in 2013. Photo provided. (Lawrenceburg, Ind.) – The man who grew his family’s business from five drivers into one of southeast Indiana’s largest employers has is being remembered for his love of God, family, country, and big trucks. Bob Baylor, former president of Milan-based Baylor Trucking, died on Sunday following a battle with ALS. The Lawrenceburg resident was 67. In 1975, Baylor joined his father and brother in the family business, which dad Chester Baylor had started in 1946 after returning home from serving in World War II. He began as a driver with the CB handle “Double Dribble.” Bob eventually took over the company when Chester retired in 1986. Over the next two decades he would develop the southeastern Indiana trucking company from just a handful of trucks to about 300 today. Baylor Trucking currently employs more than 200 people in hauling goods for major retailers like Toys ‘R’ Us, Dollar General, Walmart, and GAP. “His leadership really transformed our family business,” daughter Cari Baylor said Monday. She has been vice president of the trucking company since 2012. Baylor lent his leadership skills to organizations beyond his own, especially in the trucking industry. He served on the American Trucking Association Board of Directors and Nominating Committee as well as Truckload Carriers Association Executive and Scholarship Committee. Bob was also a past Chairman of the Indiana Motor Truck Association and received their Founders Award of recognition. He was awarded with the first James Prout “Spirit of Giving” award for his dedication and volunteerism with Wreaths Across America. Bob served as a trustee for his alma mater, Hanover College, for nine years. He was also a proud member of the Masonic Lodge, Shrine Club and Milan American Legion. Baylor had been diagnosed with ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, in March of 2013. The neurodegenerative illness quickly ravaged his body, but didn’t keep him from enjoying time with his family in his final years. “Dad living in a wheel chair and getting out as much as he could,” Cari said. “He could still talk, even as he was passing. He was having fun going out with his grandchildren. He went to an Eagles concert in Lexington. He enjoyed going to lunch at Will’s Grill.” Many of the people the Baylor family has heard from as news of Bob’s death spreads are quick to share their impressions of him. The condolences often come with recollection of Baylor’s leadership, patriotism, faith, and passion for the trucking industry. A large number of people are expected to pay their respects to the trucking magnate. Baylor’s visitation will be held Friday, October 30 from 4:00 until 8:00 p.m. at the Lawrenceburg Event Center, 51 Walnut Street. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, October 31 starting at 10:30 a.m. at Hamline Chapel United Methodist Church next door. Baylor will be laid to rest at St. Paul Lutheran Church Cemetery in Milan. Baylor is survived by his wife Beth, daughters Cari Baylor and Kelly (Bill) Shelton, father Chester Baylor, sister Bonnie Hammond, brother Steve Baylor, grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. He was preceded in death by his mother Ruth. The family is asking that memorials be made the Shriner’s Children Hospital or ALS Therapy Development Institute in care of the Bob Baylor Family Memorial. Photo provided. RELATED STORIES: Baylor Trucking Celebrating Driver Appreciation Week Baylor Trucking President Honored For Supporting Wreaths Across America