Robert Lazenby
Jerseyville |
Robert C. “Bob” Lazenby, 87, passed away at 3:55 p.m., Monday, September 25, 2023 at Jerseyville Manor.
He was born on April 20, 1936 in Carlinville, Illinois and was the son of the late Bryan and Hazel (Goodwin) Lazenby.
He was raised in an orphanage in Champaign, Illinois where he met his wife, the former Ruth Towner.
Bob and Ruth were married on August 25, 1957 in Urbana, Illinois and were the proud parents of two daughters, Teresa and Kimberly. Throughout the years, they shared in many wonderful memories together as a family, and were blessed with four grandchildren and six great grandchildren.
Bob served our country with the United States Army as an E-5 Sergeant from 1960 until honorable discharge in 1963. While still a member of the National Guard, he was employed as a Meat Cutter with Labor Local #534.
Bob was a perfect example of starting with nothing and making something of himself. He loved socializing with others and never met a stranger. These qualities, coupled with his inspiring work ethic, contributed to his success in his professional endeavors.
He became the owner of the IGA store in Marissa, Illinois in 1984, owning and operating the store until 1987. He and Ruth then settled in the Jerseyville area, where Bob worked as a Car Salesman at Sunderland Motor Company for many years, prior to his retirement. Never one to remain idle, he began volunteering at Jersey Community Hospital following his retirement, dedicating countless hours throughout the years.
In his younger years, he served as a coach for little league baseball and as he grew older found enjoyment in spending time working in his yard and tending to his rose bushes, watching western films and looked forward to his morning coffee talks with the boys at McDonalds.
By far his greatest joys in this life came from time shared with his family, all of whom he loved dearly and who will forever cherish his life and legacy.
Surviving are his wife of 66 years, Ruth Lazenby of Jerseyville; a daughter and son in-law, Kim and Scott Montgomery of Odon, Indiana; a son in-law, Darrell Mortland of Hardin; four grandchildren and their spouses, Michael and Lori Mortland of Batchtown, Matthew and Emily Mortland of Glen Carbon, Mary Beth and Howard “Chip” Johnson of Bella Vista, Arkansas and Zachary Montgomery of Bloomington, Indiana; as well as six great grandchildren, Pepper Ann, Oliver, Bodie, Cole, Kymble and Walter.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his beloved daughter, Teresa Mortland on March 28, 2018; three brothers, Thomas Shields, Albert Lazenby and Brian Deck; as well as four sisters, Delberta Simmons, Virginia Lash, Mary Taylor and Susan Simmons.
Visitation will be held from 10 a.m. until time of Funeral Services at 12 p.m., Monday, October 2, 2023 at Crawford Funeral Home in Jerseyville.
Burial will follow at the Oak Grove Cemetery in Jerseyville.
For those desiring, memorials may be given to the Activity Department at Jerseyville Manor, in care of the funeral home.
Memories may be shared with the family by visiting www.crawfordfunerals.com
Crawford Funeral Home
