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Robert DesPain Obituary
October 5, 1929 - February 23, 2022
Collinsville, Illinois - Robert "Bob" Lee DesPain, a lifelong resident of Collinsville, IL, passed away on Wednesday, February 23, 2022, at Eden Village Care Center in Glen Carbon, IL.
Bob was born on October 5, 1929, in Collinsville to the late Charles and Anne (nee Guenther) DesPain. He graduated from Collinsville High School in 1947, then attended St. Louis University until he was drafted into the Army (Korean Conflict) in 1951. He was honorably discharged in 1954 as 1st Lieutenant.
While both working at Swift & Company, Bob met Betty Wilkirson, from East St. Louis. They were married on May 31st, 1952.
Bob was employed by New York Life as an insurance agent, earning the designation Chartered Life Underwriter. In 1982, he opened DesPain Investment Solutions with his son Don.
He served as the chairman of the planning commission and was the Finance Commissioner for the City of Collinsville. Bob was past President of the Lions Club and Collinsville Jaycees. He served on the committee for the new high school and the opening of Oliver C. Anderson Hospital. Bob was a champion of government transparency.
Bob was very proud of his sons and their families. He enjoyed being part of their lives, celebrating their interest, passions, and careers.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his two sisters, Doris DesPain and Charlene Keller and her husband, Bob.
He is survived by his beloved wife of 69 years, Betty DesPain; three sons: David (Susan) DesPain of Ladue, MO, Don (Peggy) DesPain of Collinsville, IL, and Doug (Rebecca) DesPain of Freeburg, IL; 5 grandchildren: Bobby (Angelica) DesPain, Maggie (Kent) Dunson, Jimmy DesPain, Donny (Miranda) DesPain and Meghan (Josh) Klaas; 5 great-grandchildren: Warren, Eloise, Holty, Emma and Ella; two nephews: Kenny (Linda) Keller and Craig (Tina) Keller, numerous great nieces and nephews.
Upon his request, Bob was cremated and private services were held.
Donations may be made to Collinsville Faith in Action and will be received at Barry Wilson Funeral Home, 2800 N. Center Street, Maryville, IL 62062.
Condolences may be expressed to the family at barrywilsonfuneralhome.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Robert DesPain
Sponsored by Belleville News-Democrat.
1 Entry
Mary Kay Svoboda (Steward)
March 4, 2022
When I moved to Collinsville in 1986, one of my favorite parts of reading the newspaper was the letters to the editor written by Bob. I have fond memories of the GTG families from the Pig Roasts. I know Bob was my dad's favorite GTG husband. Keep your memories close to your heart and he will always be with you.
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Barry Wilson Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Ltd.2800 North Center Street, Maryville, IL 62062
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