Robert “Bobby” Eugene Dennis passed away peacefully at home on May 3, 2021.
He was born on July 4, 1945 to Wilbur Dennis and Marvis (Cox) Dennis. He married Connie (Polson) Dennis in Galesburg, IL on March 29, 1973.
Surviving, is Bobby’s wife, two children, son Justin (Angela) Johnson, daughter Brandi (Aaron) Young, four grandchildren Ashley Johnson, Corey (Crista) Johnson, Jacob Young, and Mollie Young and great-grandchild Violet Johnson. Bobby is also survived by his siblings, brother Gerald (Kathy) Dennis; and sisters, Loretta Boone and Barbara (Bob) Mundy; and several nieces and nephews.
Bobby graduated from Galesburg High School in 1963. He then served in the US Navy from October 1965 to October 1969 as a Cryptographic Machine Operator. In March 1970, he was sworn in as a Galesburg Police Officer, Badge No. 28. He proudly served 28 years with the GPD. He received many honors during his career, most notably, Officer of the Year in 1997.
Bobby had a passion for sports after graduating high school. He played softball, golf, tennis, raquetball, bowling, pickleball, wallyball, and billiards. Bob was a natural athlete and excelled at each sport he played. He rolled a perfect 300 game. In the early 1980’s, Bobby joined the Dew Dusters golf league at Bunker Links golf course. There, he won Club Championships in 2015, 2016, 2018, 2019 and had several holes in one.
Bobby was co-owner of the Beaver Bros. tree trimming business in earlier years with Joe Tuszynski, best friend, fellow officer, and sports partner. Bobby had another best friend, Terry Hepner who he spent lots of time with, dining and socializing, while their wives worked out of town.
Bobby enjoyed Wednesday mornings with the GPD Retiree Breakfast Club, and golfing with his Wednesday night crew. He had many life-long friends that were a special part of his life, too numerous to mention, which he was grateful for.
Bobby was a Silver Streaks fan and attended the boys and girls basketball games. When his grandchildren began playing sports, Bobby was their biggest fan, never missing a game from junior high to high school.
Bobby fought a courageous battle with cancer, remaining positive until the end. He was loved and respected by his family, friends, and community.
Cremation will be accorded. Visitation will be 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, May 6, 2021 at Watson Thomas Funeral Home and Crematory. Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, social distancing, limited occupancy, and face masks will be required. A celebration of life will be held Friday, May 7, 2021 at the Thomas Legacy Center from 6 to 8 p.m. Memorials may be made to the Galesburg Athletic Booster Club to support Boys and Girls Golf and Basketball, as well as volleyball. Online expressions may be sent to the family at www.watsonthomas.com.
