Robert (Bob) L. Darr, 75, of Belleville, IL, passed away Friday, December 15, 2023, after a long battle with cancer.
Born January 31, 1948, in Belleville, IL, Bob earned his undergraduate degree at SIUE and worked as a landscaper. He enjoyed being outside and created beautiful, serene, outdoor living spaces, especially at the homes of his daughters (all you need is a sharp spade and some power behind it).
Bob loved playing golf, doing woodworking and breathing new life into old barn wood. His self-reported credit card vertical kept him from making the varsity basketball team, but didn’t stop him from devoting his free time to supporting the sporting adventures and volleyball careers of his daughters.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Leslie and Henrietta (nee Wissehr) Darr.
Left to cherish his memory are his partner, Mary Ann Lauer of Belleville, IL, and the three daughters he held dear: Andrea (Luke) Yarber of Swansea, IL, Dr. Emily (Joe Golia) Darr of Mt. Pleasant, SC, and Beth (Kyle) Keserauskis of Swansea, IL. Their mother, Margie (Jim) Sternau Hoffmann, mourns alongside them. Bob found immense joy in his three grandchildren, Sloane Golia, Penn Golia, and Cole Yarber, and enjoyed teaching them crafts like carving and woodworking.
Surviving relatives in California mourning Bob’s loss include his brother, Larry (Marie) Darr of Pasadena, and nephews, Kevin (Micaela) Darr of Pasadena and Bryan (Jody) Darr of San Diego and their families.
Bob was loved by many and never met a stranger. He had a huge heart, enjoyed helping others and was always first to lend a hand to anyone in need, from delivering food to helping with home improvement projects.
His humor was infectious, and he always had advice at the ready, such as “if you mess with the bull, you get the horns” and “measure twice, cut once.”
Bob will be fondly remembered by a vast network of extended family and friends.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials in Bob’s name to BJC Hospice or AgeSmart Community Resources
Friends and family are invited to attend the visitation from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., on Thursday, December 21, 2023, at Kurrus Funeral Home in Belleville. A private prayer service will be held for immediate family.
13 Comments To "Robert (Bob) L. Darr"
#1 Comment By Patricia M Schomber On December 18, 2023 @ 12:32 pm
My thoughts and prayers are with you at this sad time
#2 Comment By Jan Reitz On December 18, 2023 @ 1:06 pm
I’m so sorry for the loss of my good friend Bob. Just a few short years ago we shared a lot of time together at our club. Bob was very instrumental in my move to Belleville. Always willing to help anyone who needed it. He will be missed by many. RIP Bob, until we meet again. 💔
#3 Comment By Steve “Sader” Joyce On December 18, 2023 @ 2:52 pm
We are saddened by the loss of a good friend and dedicated Mooner. Bob was instrumental in our athletic days at SIUE and all Mooners will miss him. As a close friend to all of us, he will be remembered as a fun loving guy. I will fondly remember that we were almost unbeatable at the foosball table in the University Center at SIUE. God bless you Bob!
#4 Comment By Jim & Kate Shively On December 18, 2023 @ 4:04 pm
I can honestly say that I’ve known Bob my whole life. You see he was born a few days before me and in those days, new mothers were kept in the hospital for up to a week. His mom and my mom were room mates and as the story goes he and I were brought in for meals together.
Bob was a guy who when he met you, you were his friend. A good and honest hard working guy, to say the least.
If there was one thing folks could say about him was, “He sure liked his sports.”
Peace and good to his entire family,
Jim & Kate Shively
#5 Comment By Katie Forsyth On December 18, 2023 @ 4:14 pm
So very sorry to hear about the passing of your Dad, Andrea. Prayers and hugs to you and your sisters.
#6 Comment By Jane Boron On December 18, 2023 @ 4:53 pm
So sorry Margie for you and your family. I remember Bob well from hanging with the your brothers and my brothers. Always good times back in the day
Prayers for all of you.
Jane Boron
#7 Comment By Gerald Seger On December 21, 2023 @ 1:31 pm
Larry, So sorry to hear of Bob’s passing. Please accept my sincere and heartfelt condolences.
I have many wonderful childhood memories of growing up with Bob and you, right across the street from each other. Special times.
Bobby and I would be in contact off and on through the years but it’s been quite awhile seen we’ve last seen each other.
May God bring comfort to you all during this time.
Gerry Seger
#8 Comment By Connie Jean Goyda On December 19, 2023 @ 8:19 am
You have my deepest sympathy on your loss. My dad knew him from being around town and sharing a laugh now & then. He talked fondly of him always.
He will always be held close to your heart. May God take care of all of you.
#9 Comment By Micaela Darr On December 19, 2023 @ 9:44 am
We miss you, Uncle Bob. ♥️ You were such a special part of our family, and my kids talk often of your humor and kindness, and you made me feel like I was a part of the family from the very first time I met you.
Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and may perpetual light shine upon him. May his soul and all the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.
#10 Comment By Kathleen Mulcahy On December 19, 2023 @ 12:26 pm
“There is no pain so great as the Memory of joy in present grief.” —Aeschylus
I am unspeakably sorry for your loss.
#11 Comment By Lee & Shelley (Wissehr) Case On December 19, 2023 @ 12:33 pm
Deepest sympathy for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers will be with all of the family. Bob and I had quite the conversations while I was completing the family history. Laugh, stories and the positive outlook was how Bob was. We will miss you Cousin Bob!
#12 Comment By Gerry Seger On December 21, 2023 @ 12:21 pm
Larry, So sorry to hear about Bob’s passing! I have many childhood memories of the two of you growing up together with me. May God comfort you all at this time.
#13 Comment By Greg Determan On December 21, 2023 @ 1:59 pm
Played ball with Bob back in 1967/68. Great teammate and friend. Rest in Peace Bob.