OBITUARY: Robert 'Bob' Twyman

Robert “Bob” Twyman didn’t have the loudest voice on the Longboat Key Town Commission. But, during his term, his voice guided the island through many key issues.

“He wasn’t the guy making a lot of noise,” said former Mayor Jim Brown, who served as mayor during Twyman’s commission term. “But he was really involved and knew what he was talking about.”

Twyman died Monday, May 9. He was 88.

Born Feb. 25, 1923, he lived in Ohio and Indiana and served in the U.S. Army and later became a longtime associate with IBM. Twyman and his wife, Mary JoAnn, purchased a unit at Longboat Harbour in 1984.

Twyman went on to serve on the Longboat Key Town Commission from 1991 to 1993, and according to friend and fellow former Commissioner Chuck Savidge, Twyman was instrumental in guiding a search for a new town manager and eventually hiring Griff Roberts in 1993.

“He was very dedicated and interested in serving on the Key,” Savidge said.

But Twyman’s voice was heard outside of Town Commission chambers. He was a Kiwanis Club of Longboat Key member since 1991 and was known for asking tough questions whenever the group hosted a politician as a speaker. He served as president of the Republican Club of Longboat Key in 1999, for which he was known for his patriotism and conservative beliefs.

“Bob was politically conservative, and firm in his belief of limited government,” said John Wild, Kiwanis Club secretary and Republican Club member. “I can still visualize him passing out pocket copies of the Constitution and Declaration of Independence to the Kiwanis and GOP club members, reminding all of his core belief in the American Republic.” 

He was proud of his heritage and the fact that he was a descendant of Thomas Jefferson and spent hours at libraries, doing genealogical research.

Although Twyman’s strong, steady voice impacted the island, it wasn’t the only way that his presence was felt. He served the community in other ways, ringing the Salvation Army bell during the holidays for the Kiwanis Club and flipping pancakes at Kiwanis Club pancake breakfasts and remained active until the final weeks of his life.

Twyman was preceded in death by his wife, Mary JoAnn. He is survived by his son, Bradley; and stepchildren John Wey, Deborah Wey, Mark Wey and Karen Miller.

Plans for a memorial service have not been announced. Toale Brothers Funeral Homes is responsible for arrangements.

Contact Robin Hartill at [email protected].