Robert Edward DePue

Robert Edward DePue - SAVANNAH - Robert Edward DePue, 56, passed away Sunday, August 12, 2007 at Hospice Savannah surrounded by loving family and friends. He was born in Savannah, GA at the old Telfair Hospital downtown on July 25, 1951. After graduating from Savannah Country Day School in 1969, Rob attended the University of Georgia, Georgia Southern College and Stetson University. Rob's free spirit led him out to Idaho for three years, where he was a whitewater river raft guide on the Salmon River at Mackay Bar Ranch. Upon returning to Savannah, Rob started the Savannah Carriage Company, bringing the first horse drawn carriages to historic Savannah. He was later the owner of a foundry, making beautiful, ornate iron beds. Rob worked from 1987 - present with his family's business, DePue Wilbert Vault Co. on Bonaventure Road where he served as Vice President. In 2003, he formed a new company, Deep River Associates, which specializes in environmentally safe wastewater treatment. His hard work and ability to look forward, always being positive, provided the company with a long term vision for growth and diversification. Rob had a passion for woodworking, having just completed beautiful cherry cabinets for a new kitchen in their home. A devoted son, husband, and father, Rob was always attentive to "His girls" as he affectionately called all of them. His mother, his brother, his wife Debbie, and his daughters Lydia and Emily received a profound love from him. They will bear the mark of his love forever. To his friends, he offered the most steadfast friendship, ever true and genuine. Like the bushels of his favorite oysters, his friends gathered time after time at his spot on the Vernon River Marsh. During his recent illness, he witnessed their dramatic love for him. In Rob there was a deep love for God and his presence in his life. Just as a steady wind, Rob's faith was a strong constant. Rob's passion for sailing his twenty-five foot Columbia was passed on to Debbie and his girls. They spent time at Sapelo Island every summer. He recently upgraded to a thirty six foot West Indies Morgan sailboat. Although Rob's dream was to sail it with the girls all summer, his illness precluded that. We know that he indeed has sailed to a better place and the sailor has taken his final voyage home. Rob and his family were previous members of White Bluff United Methodist Church, where he served on the Staff Parrish Committee. The family is presently members of Isle of Hope United Methodist Church, where he and Debbie were married in 1985. Rob is survived by his wife, Deborah Guidry DePue (originally of Lafayette, LA), his daughters, Lydia Claire (19) and Emily Katherine (15), his mother Edna King DePue, his brother, Charles Burson DePue and wife Linda, four nieces and nephews, Chad DePue, Lauren DePue, Dean DePue, Nicole Shields and six great nieces and nephews. Visitation will be from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m. Tuesday, August 14, 2007 at Fox and Weeks Funeral Directors Hodgson Chapel. Funeral Service will be at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, August 15, 2007 at Isle of Hope United Methodist Church. Burial will follow in Bonaventure Cemetery. Remembrances may be made to Hospice Savannah P.O. Box 13190 Savannah, GA 31416 or the Green House Youth Project at Isle of Hope United Methodist Church 412 Parkersburg Rd. Savannah, GA 31406. Please sign our guestbook online at www.foxandweeks.com Savannah Morning News August 14, 2007 Please sign our Obituary Guest Book at www.savannahnow.com