Robert J. McCabe

Services are Private.

Robert J. McCabe, 66, of Lebanon, IL died Thursday, September 17, 2020, in Lebanon, IL.

He was born Oct. 2, 1953, to Robert and Anna Mae (Nee Shomaker) McCabe, Jr., at St. Elizabeth’s Hospital, Belleville, IL.

He was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church, Lebanon and a retired Lebanon Emerald Mound Grange Volunteer Fireman.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Anna Mae McCabe, Jr.; brother, Thomas McCabe; sister, Roberta Fruth.

He is survived by his brother, Ed McCabe, Lebanon; sisters, Mary McCabe, Oak Park, IL, Elizabeth (Tom) McCabe Raleigh, Oak Park, IL; brother-in-law, Steven Fruth, Oak Park, IL; nieces and nephews, Matthew (Erin) Fruth, David Fruth, Susan (Craig) Kidwell, Thomas Raleigh, Michael Raleigh; great-nieces, Maggie and Kate.

Memorials may be made to Lebanon Emerald Mound Grange Fire Dept. or Lebanon Food Pantry.

Services are Private.

Meridith Funeral Home, Lebanon, IL.

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Eulogy of Robert J McCabe

In the words of the late Justice Ruth Bader Ginsberg “do something outside
yourself, something that makes life a little better for people less fortunate than you.”

As we hear stories from people that knew Bob, neighbors, co-workers,
customers, fireman, and friends, the stories begin with, “do you know
what Bob did to help me?” or “do you know Bob is the only friend I have?”
One person stopped by and told Liz that he did not want his story to go with
Bob to the grave as he was sure he and Bob were the only two that new
the story. The man shared the story with Liz and yes, it did go to the grave
with Bob. I am sure he took other stories with him as well. Bob did not
gossip nor did he toot his own horn either. He lived in Lebanon his
entire life. Lebanon was much more than an address, it was his community,
his extended family.

He enjoyed serving his community in many ways. As a fireman, Bob and the
team responded to a call on I-64. And wouldn’t you know, he landed on the
tour bus of Tammy Wynette. When he entered the bus, Tammy said,
“and who are you?” “I am Bob McCabe and who are you?” Looking surprised
that someone may not know her, she answered, “I am Tammy Wynette.”
Bob responded, “it is nice to meet you Tammy, now let’s see how we
can help you.”

Bob was the quite one in the family, self-preservation perhaps. So the
family was surprised when he grew out a full beard, dressed up in period
costume, top hat, tails and stood in a gazebo as he rode in the parade
for the Lebanon centennial – who knew – he had a blast. So thank you
Steve Mueller for inviting him to be part of that event and
what an event it was.

And his final good work – being a part of Lou’s Pharmacy. That was a win-win.
He loved that job as it was more than just a job. It was another branch of his
extended family. So, for those of you live here, Bob loved Lebanon and
the people in it. So, I am going to ask you to step in and fill some of that
void that has been created with his loss just as he filled in for others.

To the Lebanon Rescue Unit – Know it gives our family great comfort
knowing that his fellow comrades were his first responders.