Robert "Bob" Lee DeLuce

Robert "Bob" Lee DeLuce, 88, of West Palm Beach, Fla., passed away peacefully Tuesday, September 10, 2019. He was born January 18, 1931, in Marshall, Mo., to William H and Alma (Bruns) DeLuce. His father died when Bob was only nine years old, and Bob spent most of his early childhood in Marshall. After his mother remarried, he moved with his parents numerous times throughout high school and graduated in Massachusetts from Brockton High School in 1948. Bob proudly listed in the Marine Corps in 1950 and served in the Korean War for three years. Bob married Betty Berryman in 1957 in Marshall. They raised their three children in Jefferson City, Mo., where Bob was employed at the Missouri Highway Department for three decades. Bob was an active member of Faith Lutheran Church and spent numerous years as a Boy Scout leader. Bob loved woodworking, building birdhouses, genealogy, family, friends, and church gatherings, dancing and travel. Upon retiring, Bob and Betty traveled extensively, both domestically and internationally. Bob loved spending time with his grandchildren. Eventually, Bob and Betty moved to the Kansas City area to be near their daughter's family. Bob was an active member of King of Kings Lutheran Church in Gardner, Kan., as well as the VFW. Bob spent many years serving as the loving caregiver for his wife of 57 years throughout her difficult journey through Parkinson's Disease and Dementia. After the death of his wife, Bob moved to the Florida sunshine to be near his oldest son's family. Unfortunately, shortly thereafter, he was diagnosed with Alzheimer's Disease. He will be dearly missed by his family and friends. Bob is survived by: his sons, Robert L. DeLuce II (Pearl) of West Palm Beach, Fla., and Les S. DeLuce (Kim) of Springfield, Mo.; his daughter, Kim D. Purtle (Mike) of Overland Park, Kan.; grandchildren, Geoff Purtle, Greg Purtle, Kelly Purtle, Heather DeLuce, Zachary DeLuce, Julia DeLuce, Pam Avalos, and Ilene Friedman; and five great-grandchildren. Bob was preceded in death by his parents; wife; brother, William H. DeLuce, and sister, Betty Jean DeLuce. Memorial Service will be 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, September 19, 2019. at King of Kings Lutheran Church, 306 E Madison, Gardner, Kan. Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m. before the service. There will be a private family graveside service to follow in Marshall. Memorial contributions may be made to King of Kings Lutheran Church, Gardner, Kan. or to the Alzheimer's Association.