Robert “Bob” Howard Mayo Sr., 91, of Louisville, and formerly of Hopkinsville, passed away March 28, 2026, after a long battle with Parkinson’s disease.
Born Oct. 15, 1934, in Marion County, he was the son of the late Goebel Mayo and Ora Gladys Bennett Mayo.
Bob was a graduate of Lebanon High School and the University of Kentucky, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in agri-business. He was also a proud veteran of the United States Army.
During his early career, he worked as a regional manager for Kerr-McGee Chemical Corporation, a position that brought him and his young family to Hopkinsville. It was in Hopkinsville where he became deeply involved in both business and civic life, establishing strong ties in the community that would become a defining chapter of his life.
While living in Hopkinsville, Bob was a member of Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church. He later became a Realtor-Broker and appraiser and was active in several local organizations. He served as president and director of the Hopkinsville Board of Realtors, as president of the Kiwanis Club, and was a founder and director of Pennyrile Citizens Bank. Family members also noted he was a familiar face at Roundies Café, where he enjoyed spending time with friends and sharing in the daily camaraderie.
In 1996, Bob moved to Louisville to be closer to his four grandchildren and their parents. Known affectionately as “GranGran,” he enjoyed cheering them on at sporting events and recitals, and family members said he created lasting memories through trips to Disney World and fishing trips to Alaska. He also enjoyed horseback riding, carriage riding, and spending time outdoors, especially on the five-acre property he maintained and loved.
In Louisville, he was a member of St. Bernadette Catholic Church, Spokes and Spurs, and the Carriage Association of America.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his son, Robert “Robbie” Howard Mayo Jr.; his longtime partner, Ingun Silverman; and four siblings, Catherine Goodin, G.L. Mayo, Frank “Sonny” Mayo, and Leon Mayo.
Survivors include one daughter, Rebecca Brodarick (Michael); four grandchildren, Michael Ryan Brodarick, Matthew Brodarick, Ashley Brodarick Lobo (Kevin), and Ann Marie Brodarick; three great-granddaughters, Genevieve Brodarick, Frances Lobo, and Rosalee Lobo; one brother, Charles Marshall Mayo (Leannah); one sister-in-law, Mary Kay Mayo; and several nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be on Wednesday, April 1, 2026, at 10 a.m. in the narthex of St. Bernadette Catholic Church, 6500 St. Bernadette Avenue, Prospect. A funeral Mass will follow at 11 a.m. Burial will be at 3 p.m. at St. Augustine Cemetery on St. Mary’s Road in Lebanon.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Standardbred Retirement Foundation or Hosparus Health of Louisville.
