OREGON – Robert (Bob) King died peacefully at Serenity Hospice and Home in Oregon, on Friday, May 24, 2019 at the age of 78.
Bob is survived by his wife, Darlene King; Sons, Tim (Rhonda) King of Stillman Valley, and Dan (Susan) King of Cumming, Ga..; Grandchildren, Hannah, Brandt, Andrew and Alex King.; Siblings, Wayne King of Machesney Park and Shirley Lamoreaux of Concord, N.C., and a number of nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Burton and Dorthy King; and sisters, Evelyn Bolen of Forreston, and Connie Willis of Byron.
Bob was born on Aug.12, 1940 in Rockford, to Burton and Dorothy King. He graduated from Byron High School in 1958 and proudly served in the United States Navy from 1958-61. He married the love of his life, Darlene Vincer, in September of 1964. After moving to Rockford, Bob began working for Sems/Camcar, a division of Textron, as a purchasing agent. Bob and Darlene had two children and moved to Stillman Valley, when they purchased and became owners of the Byron True Value Hardware Store.
Bob was a loving husband and father who always put the wellbeing of his family first and foremost. Coming from humble beginnings, Bob worked hard to provide for his family, and was most passionate that his children and grandchildren had the opportunity to attend college. He always wanted his family to have opportunities he didn’t have.
Bob enjoyed his friends and community. As the owner of the local hardware store, nothing brought him more joy than meeting and interacting with the many good people of Byron and others who patronized his store. He always said, “Be nice and kind to everyone.”
Bob was quick with a smile and loved a good laugh. Bob loved music, dancing and a great party. In his last days, he was still singing to his family, smiling and laughing. He loved his wife, Darlene and his entire family. He gave love, and that is the greatest gift we all can give.
A celebration of life will be held from 4-7 p.m. on Friday July 12, 2019 at the Jarrett Praire Center in Byron. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Bob’s life.
In lieu of flowers, please donate online to Serenity Hospice & Home at serenityhospiceandhome.org or mail them to 1658 IL-2, Oregon, IL 61061.
The family would like to thank Serenity Hospice & Home and Anam Care for your loving care of Bob over the last years and weeks. The family would especially like to thank Dr. Juliette Kalweit for guidance in dad’s care in his last weeks.
