Robert "Bob" Hykes

Bob Hykes graced us with his generosity, authenticity and humor from August 21, 1945 until November 24, 2019. He was the youngest child of Charles N. and Viola Hamme Hykes of York, Pennsylvania. A longtime resident of Burlington, Bob died suddenly in West Chester, PA while visiting family.

Bob is survived by his wife of 51 years, Kathryn O’Donnell Hykes, children Ashley Hykes McGee of Matthews, NC, Hilary Hykes Carr and husband Matthew K. Carr of Matthews, NC, and John Martin Hykes and husband J. Craven Miller of Durham, NC, and six adored grandchildren, Brendan, Katie and Charlie Carr, Ralph and Jack McGee and Evelyn Hykes-Miller; and a brother Harold Hykes and his wife, Janice, of Mount Wolf, PA. Also surviving and mourning his loss are the many members of the Hykes and O’Donnell clans and many dear and close friends. He was predeceased by his parents, his step-mother, Helen Denues Hykes, his sister Susan Hinkle, sister-in-law Jacqueline, and beloved mother-in-law Jacqueline Carroll O’Donnell.

Bob was a reinsurance executive for 28 years working with Reinsurance Intermediaries in Burlington, NC, and Renaissance Re in Bermuda, until his retirement in 2002. He went on to pursue his many other interests.

Bob was a faithful member of the Church of the Holy Comforter Episcopal Church where he served in many leadership roles including three terms on the Vestry. He believed in the importance of a vital downtown Burlington and to that end he served as a founding member of Company Shops Market and Burlington Beer Works. He mentored innumerable young people on their goals and career paths. He was a fine woodworker and enjoyed retreating into his workshop. His presence and engagement in life will be missed by so many.

Visitation will be at Rich and Thompson Funeral Home, 306 Glenwood Avenue, Burlington, NC 27215 on Saturday, November 30 from 5-7 p.m.

A Celebration of his life will be held at the Church of the Holy Comforter Episcopal Church, 320 East Davis Street on Sunday, December 1, 2019 at 2 p.m. with a reception following in the Great Hall.

Memorials in his honor may be made to the Church of the Holy Comforter Endowment Fund, 320 E. Davis Street, Burlington, NC, or to Allied Churches of Alamance County, 206 N. Fisher Street, Burlington, NC 27217.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Robert "Bob" Hykes, please visit our floral store.