Robert Lamar Cantrell

Robert was born to Evelyn Cantrell in College Park, Georgia on March 24, 1952. He lived with his mother and maternal grandparents the late Reverend Oscar and Odessa Cantrell who have preceded him in death and were very instrumental in his upbringing. His Christian upbringing led him to Christ at an early age. He attended the Georgia Public School until the family relocated to Illinois in 1968. After the family relocated his mother met and married James W. Hill who served as a father figure to Robert until his passing.

Robert continued his education at School District 205 where he graduated from Thornton High School. He had a passion and love for music and was able to cultivate his gifts of playing the Trombone in the Thornton High School Marching and Jazz Bands. His gifts and talent of music serves as a true testament and homage to his maternal grandmother who taught him how to play the piano and read music when he was just a little boy. He showcased his talents and skills in a Community Band that he and his friends formed that became popular in the community and surrounding areas in the early 1970’s. The Band gained notoriety while appearing at the Black Expo which was a huge accomplishment during this era. It’s been said that Robert could play that Trombone better that the professional musicians in the group Fabulous Flames playing behinds the legendary James Brown. 

After graduating High School, he went on to enroll at South Suburban College formally known as TCC where he completed his prerequisites. After completion Robert decided to take a job with Hill Trucking (his Father’s trucking co.) where he was a truck driver until 1986. He then applied with the State of Illinois where he was gainfully employed for 30 years. Robert celebrated his retirement from the State of Illinois January 2017.

Robert married Gwendolyn D. McGrew October 24, 1991, this marriage was blessed with six children. He was a devoted husband, father and grandfather. He especially enjoyed his children and family gatherings where the house would fill quickly after just one phone call. He was an avid sports fan and love watching the games. He loved driving his wife downtown and just taking in the sites, grabbing a quick bite to eat and watching the sun set. For years he watched his wife leave for church Sunday after Sunday until one day he was intrigued by her commitment to Christ and service to the Mt. Moriah M.B. Church that he began to join her at the 7:45am services. Robert came and sat in the same pew for several years, listening to Pastor Johnson preach and sing “The Lord Will Make A Way Some How” until his heart was full, until he couldn’t just sit there any longer. Robert rededicated his life to Christ and joined the Mt. Moriah M.B. Church February 2018.

He leaves to cherish his memory wife, Gwendolyn Cantrell, 6 children, Rob (Nancy), Shantea (Wille), Aries  (Keisha), Ernestine (Chris), Martell, and  Deslyn (Yvette), father in law Elisha McGrew in-laws, Willie Miller Jr. (Barbara), Vivian McGrew, Elisha McGrew Jr., Angelina Schroeder (James), Jeffrey McGrew, Dwight McGrew ( Delana), 22 grandchildren, and a host of great grandchildren, nieces and nephews

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