Robert Warner Hindsley died peacefully on August 26, 2025. Serving as a respected music educator in the community, he will be remembered not only for sharing the gift of music, but also for instilling the values of integrity, persistence and compassion for others.
Robert “Bob” Hindsley was born on Oct. 30, 1939 in Champaign, Illinois, to Mark and Helena Hindsley. He followed in the footsteps of his siblings Harold “Huck” Hindsley and Marilyn Hindsley Haynie playing in the University of Illinois Concert Band under the direction of their father, Dr. Mark Hindsley. The Concert Band also provided an opportunity for Bob to meet his future wife, Jane Myrick Hindsley. Bob played clarinet and sat near Jane, who played bassoon, which provided him an opportunity to give Jane rides home after rehearsals. They married on Aug. 14, 1965.
Bob graduated from the University of Illinois with a bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Music Education. He served as band director at James Hart Junior High for five years before spending 26 years as the band director at Homewood-Flossmoor High School developing a robust band program and giving students memorable opportunities to tour European countries and perform abroad. During this time Bob also held the position of what is now known as Illinois Music Education Association State Band Division President. In 1973, he was elected to membership in American School Band Directors Association.
In addition to being band director at H-F, Bob directed the H-F summer community band program for over 25 years. Bob also served as a conductor for Governors State University Community Symphonic Band, Prairie State College Community Band, and a guest conductor and adjudicator. He also was active at St. Andrew United Methodist Church, serving as the adult handbell director, and supporting wife Jane in various ways with the music program.
Upon his retirement from H-F in 1993, Bob took over as publisher for The Hindsley Transcriptions, a business developed by his father. He promoted and distributed these transcriptions worldwide through 2022 and enjoyed carrying on the legacy of his father’s work. The business also enabled him to continue his hobby of woodworking as he transformed a room and tailored it to his business needs. He loved being a part of building projects, ranging from a new music wing at H-F to numerous home renovations.
In retirement, Bob and Jane traveled extensively across the world and especially enjoyed traveling and playing bridge with a group of close friends who were considered family. Both Bob and Jane were also active in Rotary, with Bob serving as treasurer.
Bob is survived by daughter Julia (Thomas) Byrne, son Douglas (Anita) Hindsley, and grandchildren Megan, Kevin, Eric, Adelaide, Dane, and Haley. He was preceded in death by Jane, his wife of 58 years.
A memorial service to celebrate Bob’s life will be held on Saturday, Oct. 4, 2025, at 3 p.m. at Flossmoor Community Church. A reception will follow.
In lieu of flowers, memorials to honor Bob’s life are suggested to University of Illinois Bands, Flossmoor Community Church or Rotary.
