Robert Ray Darrough

1938 - 2011

Robert Darrough

Robert Ray "Bob" Darrough, 72, of Coulterville, Ill., born on Sept. 15, 1938, in Belleville, Ill., passed away peacefully on Sunday, Aug. 21, 2011, in St. Elizabeth Hospital, Belleville, Ill.

Bob proudly served his country as a veteran of the United States Army Reserves. He retired after 35 years with Peabody Coal Company and was a member of U.M.W.A. Local 1148. Bob was a 50 year member of the Valley of Southern Illinois Scottish Rite and Ainad Shriner Temple, Hope Lodge No. 162, Sparta, Ill., charter member of the Randolph County Motorcycle Riders Club, Randolph County Rod and Gun Club, NRA, American Thresherman's Association, and Harr-Parr Oliver Collectors Association. He was an antique car enthusiast. Bob and Mary Jean enjoyed traveling the continental 48 United States on their Gold Wing motorcycle.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents, Lawrence and Mary O., nee Parlier, Darrough;

Surviving are his wife of 50 years, Mary Jean, nee Hayes, Darrough of Coulterville, Ill., whom he married on April 1, 1961, in DuQuoin, Ill.; two children, David (Debbie) Darrough of Eagle, Colo., and Dena (Gary) Vasquez of New Athens, Ill.; five grandchildren, Ashley, Andrew, and Austin Darrough of Eagle, Colo., Matthew (Trish) Baker and Christopher Baker of Marissa, Ill.; two great-grandchildren, Wyatt and Elliot Baker of Marissa, Ill.; two sisters, Marilyn (Roger) Hamilton of Sparta, Ill., and Sandra (Ron) Provart of Springfield, Ill.; numerous nieces and nephews; and many dear friends near and far.

Memorials may be made to Shriners Hospitals for Children, St. Louis, Mo., or Calvary Church, Sparta, Ill. For more information or to sign an online guest register, please visit www.pyattfuneralhome.com.

Visitation: Friends may call from 5 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 24, 2011, and from 8 to 10 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 25, 2011, at Calvary Church, Sparta, Ill. A Masonic service will be held at 7 p.m. Wednesday at the church.

Funeral: Funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 25, 2011, at Calvary Church, Sparta, Ill., with Brother Tim McIntyre officiating. Interment will be in Coulterville City Cemetery, Coulterville, Ill.

PYATT FUNERAL HOME, Coulterville, Ill.