Robert Lenyial Dees

Carbondale – Robert L. Dees, 88, nicknamed "Bob" of Carbondale peacefully passed away at 12:50 p.m., Saturday, May 20th, 2017, at Helia Health Care of Energy with his family by his side.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 65 years Martha Lu Vinna (Parks) Dees of Carbondale whom he married in 1952 and his two sons and daughters-in-law: David A. and Rosalinda Dees of Ste. Genevieve, MO; Philip K. and Gemma Daga Dees of Terre Haute, IN. His brother Donald E. Dees of Coello. His nephew Brian Dees of Coello. Grandchildren Shawn R. Dees and friend Bailey Otto of Festus, MO; Suzanne L. Dees of Ste. Genevieve, MO and his great granddaughter Sway I. Cooper of Ste. Genevieve, MO. And Max Pedro-Dees his grand puppy! Robert L. Dees was preceded in death by his parents Everett and Edith Hazel (Bowlin) Dees of Detroit, MI and sister Janice L. Powenski of Coello.



Robert was born Nov. 7th, 1928 in Detroit, Michigan to Everett and Edith Hazel (Bowlin) Dees. Robert served in the Army from 1950 to 1952 during the Korean conflict. He taught fire safety to officers during this time. He met his best friend during this period Orville Midgley. And remained friends with Orville and Mary Ann Midgley throughout his life. Robert earned an Associate of Technology Degree from Southern Illinois University in 1955. He was hired as a Civil Servant in 1957 by Southern Illinois University. He earned a Bachelor's degree in Vocational Education studies from SIU in 1959. Robert was then promoted to supervisor of the travel service at SIU in 1963. He had a long and successful career with Southern Illinois University till he retired as the supervisor of the mail service in 1986.



Funeral service will be at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, May 24, 2017, at the Meredith Funeral Home, Carbondale with Dr. K. Stephen Combs officiating. Interment will be at Pleasant Grove Cemetery, Murphysboro where military rites will be conducted. Friends are invited to attend the visitation at Meredith Funeral Home from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, May 23, 2017.



To share a memory or a story of Robert or contribute to his memorial of choice being Boskydell Baptist Church, please visit ww.meredithfh.com.