Robert E. DeBord, 82, of Galena, IL passed away at his home with his family on Wednesday, October 12, 2016, as a result of complications of vascular dementia. Funeral service will be at 11 AM, Monday, October 17, 2016 at the Furlong Funeral Chapel, Galena where friends may call after 9 AM until time of service. Military honors will be accorded at the funeral home immediately following the funeral service by Galena VFW Post #2665 and American Legion Post #193. Burial will be at a later date. Cremation rites will be accorded following the service. Bob was born on Galena’s East Side on May 27, 1934, the only child of Elsie and Ellsworth “Eck” DeBord. After graduating from the Galena High School Class of ′52, he attended the University of Wisconsin–Platteville, where he sang in the university glee club. In the audience at one of the glee club’s concerts was Beverly (“Bev”) Renner, also of Galena, who took notice of the handsome singer. Bev and Bob were married a couple of years later in San Antonio, Texas, where Bob was stationed in the U.S. Army. October 20 would have been their 60th wedding anniversary. For over 30 years, Bob worked as a chemist at John Deere Dubuque Works, until his retirement in 1992. He enjoyed gardening, researching his family history, watching Cubs and Packers games, and traveling the country on bus trips. Most of all, he loved golfing and fishing with his best friend—his son, Bill. Bob was a lifelong member of the First United Methodist Church in Galena. He was a warm, caring, gentle man with a heart of gold. Survivors include his wife, Beverly; his daughters, Debra DeBord of Galena and Jane (Don) Stegall of Bloomington, Illinois; and his son, Bill (Erica) DeBord of Galena. Bob’s family would like to thank Hospice of Dubuque and caregiver Bill Houy for their help during this very difficult time.

“Death leaves a heartache no one can heal; love leaves a memory no one can steal.”