Bob Kevoian, the voice of humor that woke millions of people every day with laughter, departed from us on April 17, 2026 after a long battle against stomach cancer at the age of 75. Many friends and fans have today experienced an extreme loss in their hearts.
Bob Kevoian Dies at 75: A Radio Legend’s Peaceful Farewell After Years of Courage
Many fans of The Bob & Tom Show were saddened to learn that Bob Kevoian passed away yesterday afternoon. He was 75 years old and died peacefully at his home, surrounded by his beloved family, legal wife Becky, children and friends.
Bob was such a funny, talented man who used to entertain us all on the radio every single morning! Today, he is gone forever, but there are many stories being told by his family, friends and colleagues that will show you what kind of a guy he was until the day he went to God.
Bob was in a battle with cancer but lived like he did in life — with humor and sincerity. He showed no fear because of his faith in Jesus Christ and loved the people who were important to him.
Bob Kevoian Cancer Diagnosis: The Day Everything Changed
In April 2023, Bob received the unfortunate news of a diagnosis he never expected, gastric cancer. As he stated at the beginning of his podcast, when he received the diagnosis, he felt “shocked and numb”. The reality of the situation hit him incredibly hard because of the realness of it all. In one moment he was planning normal days as a person with no sickness, and the next he was going to be starting chemotherapy and radiation very quickly.
Most people would choose to keep something like that private, Bob chose to create a podcast with his wife, Becky, and best friend, Whit Grayson, to help others through the same process. They talk about the fear, the tears, the laughter, and all of the little things that helped them keep their spirits up. Bob joked with the audience that when he was first diagnosed, his biggest worry was losing his bushy mustache. It was very fortunate that it stayed throughout treatment.
Not only did Bob create the podcast to help himself but also to help anyone else who had cancer or was supporting someone else with cancer. He provided simple suggestions such as eating good foods to feel better, establishing small goals, and leaning on family and friends. Many times during the course of the podcasts, listeners would write in telling them that hearing Bob's honest stories provided them with hope for themselves on their bad days.
Bob Kevoian Final Moments: A Movie-Like Goodbye With The Beatles
Bob kept his usual sunny disposition all week long, even though his health took a significant turn for the worse. On Thursday, April 16, he was bright and cheerful; he woke up prepared to discuss plans to visit Disney World with his wife and family sometime soon. All of that changed quickly, and by Friday evening at 5:30 pm, all of Bob's family members (Becky, their three sons and Bob himself) were gathered around his bedside.
Like any loving family would, they decided to play some of Bob's favorite songs while he lay dying in bed. They chose Beatles' “Abbey Road" Side II. Softly in the background, everyone sang along with the songs playing. As the final song (Golden Slumbers) faded away, Bob took his last breath. According to Tom Griswold, it was like something you would see on a Hollywood movie – Bob actually took his last breath as the final note of the song rang out.
It was a peaceful moment. A beautiful moment. It was a fitting end to a wonderful man – a man who loved music and family, even during those difficult times in life.
The Bob & Tom Show Legacy: How Two Friends Built a Radio Empire
You need to go back to 1983 to learn why so many have experienced great sadness over the loss of this show; that is when Bob and Tom Griswold created their morning radio program for WFBQ in Indianapolis. There wasn't much of a plan other than for two men to get on the air, talk to each other like they were friends, tell jokes, play funny bits, and discuss sporting events and life in general.
Listeners loved it and by 1995 the show had gone national and was being broadcast in over 100 cities. After more than 15,000 comedy bits, The Bob & Tom Show had become a staple of morning radio listening for millions of fans. Bob would write songs, play guitar, and create comedy characters that would have the listeners laughing out loud while driving their cars to work. Bob's raspy voice combined with his quick wit was an ideal counterpoint to Tom's effervescence.
In 2015, Bob left the daily show (Cincinnati, OH) behind him; but returned for special occasions such as Reds' baseball games & Indy 500 auto races (the same year that he and Tom were appointed to the National Radio Hall of Fame). Bob's influence is still felt today!
After leaving the daily grind, Bob maintained his connection with fans through collecting odd items (such as oversized coffee mugs), playing music, wearing a blue Dodgers cap in tribute to his late father (who worked for the Los Angeles Dodgers), etc... To fans, Bob was that person that could turn a regular midweek morning into something special.
This is sad news out of Indianapolis. The Bob & Tom Show for decades provided so many laughs and brightened so many days. RIP Bob Kevoian. https://t.co/dFPAEFtZMD
— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) April 18, 2026
How Bob Kevoian Turned His Cancer Battle Into Help for Others
Following a diagnosis of cancer in 2023, Bob had the opportunity to withdraw from public life altogether. Instead, he decided to share his story with others through his podcast. Each episode included serious conversation intermixed with the same humor as his radio show. Both Bob and Becky discussed the challenges of going to the doctor, having hard days, and celebrating the small victories that kept them going during this difficult time.
The six episode series is still available on all podcast platforms. It reaffirmed for everyone that having cancer is frightening; however, you do not have to go through it alone. Bob's message was clear — stay positive, laugh as much as possible, and surround yourself with great people. Bob inspired many listeners to have more open conversations with their families about what they are going through because of their relationship with one another.
Tributes Pour In for Bob Kevoian From Radio Friends and Fans
Social media went crazy with people posting memories of Tom Griswold's early days with Bob Kevoian, when they weren't sure what they were doing but had a great time doing it. Tom said, "Our show is just two friends talking with each other who happen to have an audience listening, they hear us talking." Sports anchor Mark Patrick also remembered Bob's charitable heart and said, "Bob Kevoian lived his life how he wanted... he had a lot of fun, was happy to be around others and loved his family.” Radio host Jake Query referred to Bob as a "conglomeration of the best traits from your 10 closest friends."
Numerous fans posted their favorite memories of Bob and his humor and how the show helped get them through their long and difficult commutes or through bouts of depression. One of the main themes brought up by fans is how Bob connected to everyone as if they were part of his family. This is a rare quality to have as an accomplished professional in the radio industry.
