Robert Edward “Bob” Flake 40 of Smithton, IL, born July 27, 1981 passed away unexpectedly December 30, 2021.
Bob graduated from Freeburg High School in 1999. He graduated Southern Illinois University – Edwardsville with a Bachelor of Science degree and was currently near completion of his Master’s degree. He began his teaching career as a Student Teacher at Belleville West High School but his talents were duly noted within weeks and quickly was offered a full-time position as a Science Teacher in 2006. As a former football player both at Joliet Catholic Academy and Freeburg, Bob soon was offered a part time coaching position at Waterloo High School under Coach Dan Rose. After only two seasons at Waterloo High School, he was offered a full-time coaching position at Belleville West. He was Head Coach for the Junior Varsity team for several years before being elevated up to the Varsity team to which Bob held numerous positions to include Offensive Coordinator calling the plays for the MIGHTY MAROONS!
After 16 years of coaching for the Maroons, he stepped down as now his children were in grade school and he wanted to dedicate more time to them. As evident of the thousands of comments made on Facebook, he was adored and more importantly respected by his players, students and faculty alike. His Leadership abilities were recognized and he was promoted to Chairman of the Science Department all along still coaching – he spent an enormous time serving Belleville School District 201. In recent years he was a baseball coach for his young son’s team. Bob was also a member of St. John’s Catholic Church in Smithton, IL
He is preceded in death by his:
- beloved mother, Nancy Jean, nee Relyea Flake
- mother-in-law, Shirley Anna nee Johnston Davis
He is survived by his:
- Loving wife and family, Angela A., nee Davis, Flake of Smithton, IL
- Son, Robert E. Flake Jr.
- Daughter Victoria A. Flake
- Father, Bob (step mother Tam) Flake of Smithton, IL
- Brothers:
- Patrick Flake of Smithton, IL
- Christopher (Jessica) Flake of Highland, IL
- Sister, Jeanette (Jeremy) Elmore of Freeburg, IL
- Step-sister Ashley (Ryan) Stubler of Joliet, IL
- Father-in-law, William “Duck” Davis (Marilyn) Davis of Waterloo, IL
- Brothers-in-law:
- William T. (Sundi) Davis Jr. of Millstadt, IL
- Robert (Cassidy) Davis of Jefferson City, MO
- Nieces and Nephews:
- Natalie Flake
- Brayden Flake
- Andrew Elmore
- Colton Elmore
- Elizabeth Henrichs
- Carlie Davis
- Billy Henrichs
- Matthew Henrichs
- Sydnee Davis
- Alexandra Davis
- Dear aunts, uncles and cousins, too many to mention
- It is with special recognition to Bob’s best friend, John Luther of Smithton, IL
Belleville West has truly lost a devoted teacher, mentor and friend. He will be remembered for his sense of humor and his ever-enduring smile. Daily when asked how he was, Bob would always say, “I’m Living the Dream!” But make no mistake, Bob was first and foremost a Father and a Husband – his family was his #1 Priority!
In lieu of flowers, Memorials can be made to the Flake Children’s Education Fund with checks payable to: Angela Flake as well as the Bob Flake GoFundme.com found on Facebook.
Visitation and a “Celebration of Life” will be held at Belleville West High School campus located at 4063 Frank Scott Pkwy W, in Belleville, IL from 11A to 3P on Saturday, January 8, 2022.
Private Memorial Service will be held at 4p at Belleville West High School with Pastor Matt Friz officiating. A Private Family Interment will take place at a later date.
*Live streaming of the Memorial Service will be available at the time of the service. https://youtu.be/Hl-xximiQHM
18 Comments To "Robert Edward “Bob” Flake"
#1 Comment By Deb Collins On January 3, 2022 @ 7:57 pm
Sending prayers and love dear Angela and family.
#2 Comment By Kris Kelley On January 3, 2022 @ 9:21 pm
An awesome teacher, coach, and a father figure to not only me but many others. He didn’t do handshakes but greeted you with a hug and touched so many lives. His legacy will forever live on. I love you coach.
#3 Comment By Beverly Sellers and Kenny Kirleis On January 4, 2022 @ 7:35 am
Angela and family I’m so sorry for your loss. Bob was a great man and totally devoted to his family. He will be missed by many. Sending you all lots of love and prayers.
#4 Comment By Kathy and George Nadler On January 4, 2022 @ 8:25 am
Dear Angela family, Bob Flake, Tam and Chris, Patrick, Jeanette and family,
There are no words for such an unimaginable loss. You’re in our prayers thoughts and hearts. We are blessed to have shared in his life and great smile.
He will be missed. We will cherish the memories in our heart forever. Love you all
Our Deepest Sympathy, Kathy and George Nadler
#5 Comment By Aaron Williams On January 4, 2022 @ 8:43 am
Dear Cousin, words can not express the times I regret we did not hang out. I am Blessed with memories that we did. You made our Family Functions a Blast. You are MISSED DEARLY! LOVE YOU!
#6 Comment By Stephen Blakely On January 4, 2022 @ 9:33 am
A truly incredible teacher, coach, and all around human being. The world lost one of the good ones far too soon and there will never be another person like Mr. Flake to walk the halls of Belleville West. My thoughts and prayers go out to his wife and kids and the rest of his family and friends. R.I.P. Coach Flake
#7 Comment By Mindy Johnson (neighbor) On January 4, 2022 @ 4:48 pm
Sorry to hear about your father Robbie, prayers go out to you, family and friends!
#8 Comment By Kevin Dakin On January 4, 2022 @ 5:17 pm
To the Flake family, I am deeply sorry for your loss. Please accept my condolences and may all our prayers help comfort you.
#9 Comment By Deborah On January 5, 2022 @ 3:21 pm
Loving Condolences, I am a cousin to you Angela. So sorry to hear this. I am praying for your families.
#10 Comment By Brenda Mueller On January 6, 2022 @ 12:18 pm
To the Flake family and BTHSW family my deepest sympathy to you during this difficult time.
#11 Comment By Stephon jefferson On January 6, 2022 @ 5:59 pm
The Family have my deepest condolences may you sleep Peacefully my favorite teacher ever……..your smile lit the room every time I seen you I will forever hold you in my heart.
#12 Comment By Lashondra On January 7, 2022 @ 8:08 pm
Sending prayers to Coach Flake wife, children, family and friends Coach Flake was one of a kind I appreciate the relationship you built with my son. You will truly be missed. Sending loving condolences
Lashondra & MJ
#13 Comment By Nigel Chandler Hill On January 7, 2022 @ 8:54 pm
Heaven has gained another Angel. Mr.Flake you were one of the best teachers a guy like me could ever have hope to learn from. I may not have been in your class,but you mostly taught me life lessons,lessons that will live on in me forever. You will be forever missed and always in our hearts.
#14 Comment By Sue Koesterer On January 8, 2022 @ 11:58 am
Angie
sending you hugs .. no words 😢
Please know
You are in my thoughts and prayers🙏
Hugs 💜
#15 Comment By cheryl yarber On January 8, 2022 @ 1:37 pm
THE BELLEVILLE ANIMAL CLINIC WILL FOREVER MISS OUR BOB FLAKE – HE WAS A TRUE ONE OF A KIND GUY – HE LOVED VETERINARY MEDICINE AND LOVED THE BELLLEVILLE ANIMAL CLINIC – HE SHOWED THIS LOVE THRU VET SCIENCE AND PET CARE TO THE CLASSROOM – HIS FAMILY AND MOTHER NATURES CREATURES WERE HIS TRUE LOVE ALONG WITH HIS LOVE OF FOOTBALL . THERE WILL NEVER BE ENOUGH SAID TO HONOR HIM , HOWEVER WE WILL TRY . THE CLINIC HAS BEEN LUCKY TO KNOW THE FLAKE FAMILY FROM GRANDPA TO BOB SENIOR TO BOB AND BOBBIE ALONG WITH ANGELA AND VICTORIA .
AND BOB’S BROTHERS AND SISTER . THE MEMORIES WE WILL KEEP FOREVER AND MAY GOD BLESS THE FLAKE FAMILY.
#16 Comment By Tyler & Madeline Howes On January 8, 2022 @ 4:24 pm
Our deepest condolences to the Flake Family! Unfortunately we couldn’t be there today but want the Family to know we are thinking of them in these tough times.
Love,
The Howes Family
#17 Comment By Dr Janet Linton On January 8, 2022 @ 5:48 pm
There are no words to sum up all of the laughter that Bob created everywhere he went. He touched so many people and loved helping others without any selfishness. We all lost a wonderful person of our community. The world will not be the same without his contagious smile. I truly enjoyed working with him at the Belleville Animal Clinic. It was always a treat. To all of his family everyone who knew him knows how much he loved each and everyone of you. He would show it anytime he mentioned any of your names. He was so proud to be a loving father and husband to his love Angela. My heart aches for each of you. His memory will live on forever and his love for you will always be with you. With my deepest sympathy to the Flake family. Bob truly loved all of you and was always so proud to be a Flake. His words of many we remember. Living the dream. We can all honor him by doing just that.
#18 Comment By Walt Latinette On January 9, 2022 @ 3:00 pm
Prayers for Bob Flake and his family, Belleville West has lost a very dedicated teacher and a truly nice guy. As a first year sub teacher I have often roamed the halls of the science dept needing help on deciphering someone’s notes or getting a projector started, film rewound, etc and Bob was always around with a joke and a smile on his face and encouragement. His humor, knowledge and demeanor wil surely be missed by us all. Sincerely