Robert Lee “Bob” Buck, 88, of Galesburg, died at 6:05 a.m. Monday, July 13, 2020 at OSF St. Mary Medical Center, Galesburg.
Bob was born March 16, 1932 in Galesburg, the son of Eugene Lee and Moneta Bernice (Magoon) Buck. While attending GHS, Bob was an all-star basketball player, a state qualifying track star, and sang in the choir. After graduating Bob enlisted in the US Navy. While in the Navy Bob was stationed aboard the Naval Destroyer Dortch as a seaman guard as well as singing in the Naval Blue Jacket Choir. While stationed in Norfolk, VA he hosted a radio show called the Naval Amphibious Show. He was honorably discharged in 1956.
Bob married Darlene Lindburg in 1958 in Galva. Together they had two sons, Wayde (Julie) Buck of Galva and Bradley (Elizabeth) Buck of Peoria, AZ; and three daughters, Debra (Timothy) Bruner of Galesburg, Glenda (Lance) Rettig of Galva, and Lynneta Willis of Galva. Bob and Darlene divorced in 1976. Along with his five children, Bob is survived by one sister, Barbara (Robert) Trego of Monmouth; twelve grandchildren, Zachary Buck, Megan Buck, Nicholas Johnson, Matthew Buck, Brittany Buck, Shaylan D’Andrea, Adam Ekstedt, Joshua Bruner, Dane Bruner, Austin Rettig, Wren Whitman, and Lauren Rettig; and seven great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents.
Bob worked as a conductor for BNSF for many years, retiring in 1993. Bob was an avid Chicago Cubs fan. The family enjoyed many trips to the Wolf River in Wisconsin fishing and camping. After retirement Bob enjoyed golfing daily at Bunker Links Golf Course, when he could no longer golf Bob began enjoying many trips to the river boats. He sang for several years with Choral Dynamics. Bob was a talented artist. One of his grandchildren’s favorite memories are the cartoon characters he drew on his apartment walls.
Cremation rites will be accorded. A family celebration of life will be held at a later date. Arrangements have been entrusted to Watson Thomas Funeral Home and Crematory, Galesburg. Online expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.watsonthomas.com.
