By Jim Meridith
Posted: Updated:
2 Comments
    • Service

      Private services are being held.

    • Full Obituary

      Bobbie W. DePew, 95, of Highland, IL, passed away on Tuesday, April 9, 2024, at St. Elizabeth’s Hospital in O’Fallon, IL.

      He was born on February 3, 1929, in Alhambra, IL, to Justin and Gladys (nee Casey) DePew. He married Mary Ferrari on June 20, 1953, in Alhambra, IL, and she preceded him in death in 2004. On April 21, 2007, he married Donna Byars in Highland, IL.

      Bobbie graduated from Edwardsville High School in 1946. He then enlisted in 1948 and served in the Army for 3 years. Bobbie came home and started working at Illinois Bell Telephone Company and stayed there for 40 plus years. He enjoyed fishing, especially at his cabin in Clearwater, MO. Bobbie loved God, family, and country, never knew a stranger, and always liked telling stories. A loving husband, father, step-father, grandfather, and just an all-around great man, he will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

      He was preceded in death by his parents, Justin and Gladys DePew; grandson, Christopher Depew; siblings, Kenny Bryan, John DePew, Melvin DePew, Jake DePew, Mary Lou Cowen, Sherry Johns; sister-in-law, Minda DePew; and brother-in-law, Robert Halleman.

      Bobbie is survived by his wife, Donna DePew; children, Ronnie (Robin) DePew, Wood River, IL, Gary (Wilhelmina) DePew, Philippines, Robert (Arlene) Lopez, Antioch, IL, Darla (Sean) Smilek, Highland, IL, and Larry (Sharron) McGuire, Mattoon, IL; grandchildren, Nathan DePew, Dalton Smilek, Robby (Chrissie) Lopez, and Jeremy (girlfriend, Stef) Lopez; great-grandchildren, Brooke DePew, Cameron DePew, and Bodhi Lopez; siblings, Bill DePew, Independence, MO, and Patricia Halleman, New Douglas, IL; and many nieces and nephews.

      Memorial donations may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project.

      Private services are being held.

      Interment: Rose Lawn Memory Gardens, Bethalto, IL

      Meridith Funeral Home, Highland, IL

    Condolences are reviewed and published within 24 hours.

    2 Condolences
     
    1. Doree / April 13, 2024 at 12:08 pm

      Uncle Bob, I’m going to miss you. I’ll miss the garage reunions, the Skype visits, and how you said my name. You always pronounced it correctly. Of course, you would draw out the end! Scott and I were delighted when you and Aunt Mary ventured to Utah. I love you and will always. hold you in my heart.

      Ronnie and Gary, write down your memories from your childhood until you said your last goodbye. They will slowly leave your thoughts but never your heart.

      Love always, your niece, Doree DePew Anderson.

      Bob, may you get the best cloud up there and keep it fluffy for your family.

    2. Kevin DePew / April 16, 2024 at 1:01 pm

      Uncle Bob was always one of my favorite people. The world was a better place with him in it.

      He will always be remembered for his kindness and generosity. Hopefully him and Dad are together again in a boat on a lake, or creek.

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