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Robert “Bob” L. VanDyke, of Louisville, Illinois, passed away Thursday, April 12, 2018, after a life of 95 years.
Bob was born August 18, 1922, the son of Virgil and Jessie (Britton) VanDyke in Blair Township, Clay County, Illinois. He married Marie Dell Hornbuckle on April 4, 1945. Together they had two children: Steve VanDyke (Ann) of Mt. Vernon and Ann VanDyke of Louisville.
Bob and Marie also were blessed with 3 grandchildren: Jacob Wendling (Erin), Tad VanDyke (Mandy), and Clay VanDyke (Yuko); and a grand step-daughter: Shawn Pitts (Mark). They also have 8 great-grandchildren: Falyn, Addyson, Isaac and Finn VanDyke, and Hayden, Melia, Elijah and Lydia Wendling.
Bob served in the military during WWII in the Pacific Theater. After coming home from the service he was the owner/operator of Louisville Service Station, was Clay County Sheriff, and served for many more years as Clay County Clerk and Recorder until his retirement. Bob was a member of the American Legion Post #914 in Louisville, being one of its earliest members. He was a member of the Louisville Christian Church and was also a member of the Flora Elks, the Masonic Lodge and the Ainad Shrine.
He is survived by his children, Steve and Ann, and their children and grandchildren and a host of nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife: Marie Dell; and siblings: Lily, Lois, Inez, Jack and Bill.
Bob lived a long and full life and was blessed with a loving family and many wonderful friends and colleagues, most of whom have gone on before. He will be missed.
Per Bob’s directive, there will be no visitation or funeral. Memorials may be made in his name to Louisville American Legion Post #914. Arrangements are in the care of Frank & Bright Funeral Home in Flora.
Oct 27, 1934 - Apr 21, 2024
May 31, 1946 - Apr 20, 2024
Aug 8, 1939 - Apr 18, 2024
Jul 20, 1934 - Apr 14, 2024
Aug 31, 1955 - Apr 12, 2024
Ann...sorry to hear of your loss! The Fatheree Family, Helen, Roger & Becky, Evelyn & Gary and Paul & Anita
I am so sorry for your loss Ann. I remember my dad saying that "Bob VanDyke was the only Republican he ever voted for." Your dad was a good man!
Sympathy is extended to The Family. Sorry for Your Loss. It was my privilege to work with my friend "BVD " at the Courthouse , on American Legion Awards , and some of his unknown Good Deeds. Clay County has lost another member of America's Greatest Generation.
Our thoughts & prayers are with you.
Well done, thou good and faithful servant.........Farewell old friend. Bill Edmiston
Our sympathy to the VanDyke family. Henry and Barbara Gill
Who will call me “sonny gun”? He was quite a character! Steve & Ann, I am so sorry to hear of his passing!! Prayers for comfort!! Deb & Dave Grahn
Bob was a true leader of Clay County whose service did not go unnoticed.
Steve and Ann, I’m sorry to hear of your dad’s passing. I’ll always remember his laughing and joking around with us as kids. He called me “chicken” ever since Ann and I scared ourselves out of camping in your back yard. I think we were about 10-12 years old at the time, so the name has lasted! He will be sorely missed. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Annette Backs Garrity
Steve, Ann and family, Know it is not easy to give them up. Bob was a favorite cousin of my dad and they had many memories. Our thoughts are with you. Carol & Jerry Wood
My prayers and thoughts are with your family!
Another Great Leader has passed RIP “Mr Bob “ You will be missed by All that Loved You !
JR and I were filling out the paperwork for our marriage license in 1986. Bob knew that his cousin, Marion Britton was my grandpa. He told us beause of that, he was paying for our license. We always remembered that kind gesture. R.I.P. Bob.
Thoughts and prayers!
May your memories comfort you, thoughts and prayers. Randy & Lisa Hargis
Bob was a wonderful man always very kind and helpful.
Bob you will be missed so much Thank you for being such a great neighbor and friend
Frank & Bright Funeral Home
and Cremation Services
500 North Main Street
Flora, Illinois 62839
Phone : (618) 662-2141
Fax: (618) 662-4600
Email: [email protected]
