Bob Dossett
Alton |
Life is good! We celebrate the life of our loving and thoughtful father Bob Dossett.
He was born at home in Alton, Illinois on November 5, 1934, to Julius Bryan and Alma Evelyn (Tyler) Dossett. His brother Don and sister Anita preceded him in death. He married his childhood sweetheart, Nyla Rose Drutis, on the 28th of May, 1954. They were a fun-loving and formidable couple with a bond that could only be broken by her death in January 2003.
A patriot with a curious heart he ranged wide, visiting all fifty states of the Union. Dad was the first person to make a friend at the line in Disneyland or out on a desert road, and committed himself to friendship with a robust and jovial acceptance of others.
Dad had a thirty year career at Laclede Steel in Alton, where he was active in the United Steelworkers of America Local 3643. Upon retirement, he and Mom traveled all over the United States making friends, sharing and exploring. Eventually, they discovered the desert of Southeastern California, where they became part of a winter community for many years. Dad (CB handle “Jaws”) explored the desert and soon began to lead others on adventurous Jeep rides, known as Jaw's Jaunts. After Mom’s passing he enjoyed 14 more years with his beloved Mary Obidowski.
Quite the mechanic and fixer upper, Dad was often sought out to troubleshoot and lend a hand with problems. This came in handy along the jeep trail and in RV life.
For many years, his faith home was the Christian Service Center, Winterhaven, California.
He spent last winter in his precious desert where he enjoyed the dry weather, the warm temperatures and the companionship of hundreds of people who knew him from his decades long service to, and involvement in the community. All three of his children were with him in the desert last New Years Day when we began to suspect this might be his last jaunt among the rocks and sands and cactus in the shadow of Dome Mountain.
Dad never took a day for granted. He lived in gratitude. He loved to bring people together and make the day fun. For decades he closed letters, emails, and other messages with “Life is Good!” In that spirit, we invite those who attend the memorial to wear Life is Good or other joyful clothing.
He leaves three loving children to celebrate his legacy, Bob (Cheryl), Scott (Meg Miller), and Raeann. A third son, Timothy, died in infancy. Nephews are Terry Dossett, Dennis Rushing, and Pat Rushing
Dad reveled in the grandchildren and great children in his life. Grand children are by age: Ashley, Heather, Jeffery, Julia, Nora and Lara. Great grandchildren: Hannah, Rowan, Edwyn, Henry, Oliver, James, Caroline, Asher, Alice, Tate, and Madeline.
A service of gratitude and celebration will be held at Elias, Kallal & Schaaf Funeral Home at 727 E. Bethalto, Illinois, the town where Bob and Nyla made their home and raised their children. Masonic Rites service will be held at 2:45 pm, on Thursday April 25th, followed by the funeral service at 3 pm, with optional live streamed services through our website.
Rather than grieve or memorialize, Dad would wish us all to hold fast to family and friendship and to always bring a sense of humor and humanity to those we meet. Those wishing to support things dad held dear could chose the Christian Service Center in Winterhaven, CA.
Online condolences and guestbook may be found at www.eliaskallalandschaaf.com.
Elias, Kallal & Schaaf Funeral Home
