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BORN
1925
DIED
2023
Robert DeRousse Obituary
June 15, 1925 - August 10, 2023
Belleville, Illinois - Robert "Bob" Guthrie DeRousse, 98, of Belleville, Illinois, passed away at 5:17 pm, Thursday, August 10, 2023 at St. Elizabeth's Hospital, O'Fallon, Illinois.
He was born to the late Bernard E. and Minnie (nee Sneeringer) DeRousse on June 15, 1925 on Kaskaskia Island, Illinois.
After graduating from high school in 1943, Bob enlisted in the Navy and graduated as Bugler Master 3rd class from boot camp. He joined the crew of the USS Chenango (nicknamed the "Lucky Lady"). At the end of WWII, USS Chenango earned 11 Battle Stars and Bob participated in two of those battles in 1945. Bob was awarded the Asiatic-Pacific Medal with 2 Battle Stars, World War II Victory Medal, the Philippine Liberation Medal and the American Theater Medal.
Bob married Lelia Dorothy Heuman on November 23, 1961 at St Boniface Catholic Church in Evansville, Illinois; she survives.
He had been the senior vice president of the National Stock Yards Bank in East St. Louis, Illinois and then was a chairman of the board at First National Bank in Collinsville, Illinois until his retirement.
He was a member of St. Augustine of Canterbury Church in Belleville, Illinois, V.F.W. Post #2210 in Ste. Genevieve, Missouri, Elks Club #481 in Belleville, Illinois, Moose Lodge #1221 in Belleville/Swansea, Illinois and American Legion Post #1172 in Evansville, Illinois.
He is survived by his wife - Lelia DeRousse of Belleville, IL; his son - Robert (Ellen) DeRousse of Belleville, IL; his sister - Georgia Junghans of St. Louis, MO, his two grandchildren – Emma and Robert DeRousse and several nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents and seven siblings – Leo Beatte, Ada Pitt, Lorene Kriete, Morris Beatte, Arthur
DeRousse, Donald DeRousse and Mae Klein.
Funeral Mass will be held at 11:00 am, Friday, August 18, 2023 at St. Boniface Catholic Church, Evansville, Illinois with Fr Iuvenis Iheme and Fr Steven Pautler. Interment will be at St.Boniface Catholic Cemetery, Evansville, Illinois. Visitation will be before the service from 9:00 am – 11:00 am at the church. Memorial can be made to American Legion, Evansville, Illinois.
To view this obituary and sign the register book, please visit www.wpfh.net
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Robert DeRousse
Sponsored by Belleville News-Democrat.
4 Entries
Gil and Sandra Lang
August 17, 2023
We would like to extend our heartfelt sympathy to Lea and the family. Bob was a caring and loved member of our neighborhood who welcomed us 28 years ago and had been with us every step of journey. We cherish every moment that we were blessed to be in his presence. We will miss him deeply.
Warren Crader
August 14, 2023
Sorry to hear about your dad,my condolences. Warren Crader
Lynn Schwoebel
August 13, 2023
Dear Family,
My heart is broken for you over the loss of Bob. He was such a sweet and kind man. Whenever I would walk my dogs past his house, if he was outside, we would always have a nice conversation. He amazed me that even in his 90s, he was still playing golf and taking care of his yard. I never saw him without a huge smile on his face. I know that heaven is even happier now that he is there. I´m praying that you will continue to feel God´s loving arms wrapped around you, holding you close and feeling you with His peace in the days and weeks ahead.
Scott LePere
August 13, 2023
Bob, Sara Beth and I are saddened to hear about the passing of your dad. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time. Take care my friend.
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