Robert Louis DeJong

Robert (Bob) Louis DeJong

Bob passed away on Friday, November 24, 2006 with friends and family at his side in Gresham, Ore. Bob, 73, was born in Berkeley, Calif., on December 23, 1932 to Jerry and Gladys DeJong. Bob enlisted in the US Coast Guard in 1951 and served during the Korean War. Following his service in the military he was a member of the Sheetmetal Workers Union in California. Moving to Oregon, Bob became a partner in Crater Lake Marine starting his life long career in boat repair. Although Bob was always good at his work, it was clearly secondary to his love of driving race cars. Bob became a member of USAC and BCRA as a driver of sprint cars, midgets, and Indy cars. After a successful racing career, Bob received the honor of being inducted into the BCRA Hall of Fame.

Bob was a Rogue Valley Resident for 30 years and recently moved to Central Point. He belonged to a group of good friends that met together every Thursday night.

Bob is survived by his loving wife of 26 years, Karen DeJong. They were married October 18, 1980 in Jacksonville, Ore. They raised her children together, worked together, and traveled together. They were a wonderful couple.

He is survived by his children and their spouses, Jerry and Gina DeJong, Steve DeJong, Jason Frank, Susan and Al Taylor, Chris and Kim Knox; his brother and his wife, Leonard and Janet Wegener; nephews, Todd and Kevin; brother-in-law, Bill Tuor and wife, Connie Tuor, nephews, Mason and Sam; and grandchildren, Tania DeJong, Shauna DeJong, Andy DeJong, Mysty Blaylock, Wendy Taylor, John Taylor, Christina Eslic, Tanner Frank, Tyler Rios; great-grandchildren, Jocelyn Ruiz, Jordan Ruiz, Julian Garcia, Austin Eslic, Braden Eslic, Riley Eslic, Braylong Blaylock.

Bob was previously married to Evelyn Messmer. They had and raised three children together, Susan Taylor, Jerry and Steve DeJong.

Bob was preceded in death by his father, Jerry, mother, Gladys, and brother, Don.

Bob had an infectious personality, whether telling a joke or a story about his adventurous life; he made you feel at home. His memory will be cherished by everyone who knew him. He will be deeply missed.

Viewing is on Wednesday, November 29 from 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. and memorial service held on Thursday, November 30 at 1:00 p.m., both at Conger Morris Central Point Chapel. His nephew Doug Higuera will be officiating the service.