In the late hours of March 17th Robert John DePauw of Otsego, Allegan Co., Michigan was taken to the Lord.
Bob was born June 11, 1930 to Irene Rosemary DePauw Meade and was raised on a very happy farm in Cressy, Barry Co. owned by his Grandparents Leonard and Elizabeth (de Koster) DePauw, where he had many joyous years with his dog Shep. As a teenager he moved to a farm on Starr Rd. Otsego was the town that he lived in and met his wife of 73 years, Earline Stone. They thrived and raised their children, Robert Jr. (Bob) of Otsego, Rick of Otsego and Deanna Brown of Las Vegas.
After lying about his age on a job application, he started work at Sutherland Paper Co., in Kalamazoo at the age of 16. Even though the names of the mill changed, Bob was a loyal worker there for 48 years. He worked 2 jobs his entire life. Bob was the owner of E&B Sales and Service in Otsego for 60+ years. He never stopped going, and was a strong and brilliant man that could invent and fix anything that was put in front of him.
Bob’s passion was racing. He had a long and successful racing career and raced many of the area local tracks; including Kalamazoo Speedway, Berlin Raceway, Jones Speedway, Airpark Speedway, Speeddrome, Clarksville Speedway, Allegan County Fairgrounds, Kalamazoo County Fairgrounds and his all-time favorite Hartford Motor Speedway and many more. He raced Late Model stock cars, midgets, and modifieds, and finally in his late years, Legend and Vintage cars. He raced on asphalt and dirt tracks. Oh how he loved a dirt track. He was a fierce competitor and was well known and loved by many fans. Thanks to the many people that helped him along; The Cross Family, The Haas Family, and The Wright Family
Surviving are his family, son Robert Jr. (Friend Connie Shattuck), Rick (Kelley) DePauw, Deanna (Bert) Brown of Las Vegas. Grandchildren Doug (Julie) DePauw, Leslie (Todd) Giuzio, Brandon (Silvia) DePauw, Bryan (fiancé Ashley) DePauw, Nate (Chandra) Morehouse, Necole (Jason) Wesaw, Halle Brown and Hanna Brown. Great-grandchildren Chelsea Meshew, Brooke Dumas, Kassidy and Gaige Wesaw, Kylah and Mitchell Morehouse, Ashley (Alex) Delich, Great Great Grandchildren Phoebe Meshew, Addison and Ryleigh. Siblings Mary Jane Forshey and Art Meade.
Preceded in death by his Grandparents Leonard and Elizabeth DePauw, Mother Irene Meade, and Brother Dick Meade.
According to his wishes cremation has taken place.
Friends may visit with Bob’s family starting at 10:00 A.M., Wednesday, March 22, 2023 at the Winkel Funeral Home, Otsego, until the time of the memorial service at 11:00 A.M., with Pastor Joe Shaler officiating.
Contributions in memory of Bob may be made to Christian Neighbors.
Messages of condolence may be posted at www.WinkelFuneralHome.com.
When I’m Gone
When I come to the end of my journey and I travel my last weary mile, just forget if you can, that I ever frowned and remember only the smile. Forget unkind words I have spoken; remember some good I have done. Forget that I ever had heartache and remember I’ve had lots of fun. Forget that I have stumbled and blundered and sometimes fell by the way. Remember I have fought some hard battles and won, ere the close of the day, then forget to grieve for my going. I would not have you sad for a day, but in summer just gather some flowers and remember the place where I lay, and come in the evening when the sun paints the sky in the west, stand for a few moments beside me and remember only my best.
Sherry Hanson
Bob, Doug & Leslie -thinking of you during this time and praying Gods peace over you. I don’t remember your dad, Bob, but he sounds like he lived his life well. My sincere condolences.
Sally Betzner
Thoughts are with you at this time
Jan Jameson
My sincere condolences to you all. You are all in my thoughts.
R.I.P Mr. Depauw.
Penny Baker
Bob, Leslie, Doug, and families, so very sorry for your huge loss of Dad & Grampa.
Penny Pulver Baker
Sandy and Dan Fleming
Bob and family, And Bob Sr.Dan and I want to extend our deepest and most sincere sympathy for the passing of your father, grandfather and great grandfather. Sending prayers to his entire family. May he rest in eternal peace.
Judy Chybik
Bob was a very Special man, Husband, Father, Grandpa, Great Grandpa,Sibling, and a Special Friend! I send hugs and Prayers to All ❤️
Kathleen & Fintan Gaffney
Our hearts go out to you, Earline, Deanna and all the family.
I have fond memories of Bob, when he visited Las Vegas. I thought it particularly sweet, how he would walk with Halle and Hanna to the elementary school and then wheel the bikes back to the house. Always had a warm smile for everyone. So very sorry for your loss…
Michele Pulver
Rick, Kelley, and family,
There ate no words for the excruciating loss of your father and grandfather. Praying peace and comfort surround you during these difficult hours and days ahead.
Rick & Kelley DePauw
Thank you all from the bottom of our hearts. We will miss him so much
Love you dad, Rest In Peace, we will be with you again some day
Kathi. Fuss
Sending prayers and thoughts to all at this difficult time ✝️✝️
Lois Zimmerman
To Brandon and Brian Depauw, and your families. I am so very sorry for the loss of your grandfather! May he rest in peace.
George Galloway
Earline and Family, i am saddened to learn of Bobs passing. He was a good friend and a hard worker and I greatly respected him. We raced together many times and I always enjoyed talking with him about old times.
Linda Veldt and Charlie Veldt
Loved seeing these two at Tuesday cookouts miss seeing them rest in peace Bob
Alesia Zettlemoyer Gillen
We are So very sorry to hear this sad news. Remembering many fond memories with Uncle Bob at the Depauw Reunions. Always loved his stories about racing cars. He was such a kind man. RIP
Sending love to Earline , Bob, Rick & Deanna & grandkids
Josie Pape
Earline and family.
I was totally shocked when I heard of Bob’s passing. My sincere condolences for your loss. Bob was always a very special man.
Carol Hover
Dearest Earline, Deanna and family…..Our hearts are saddened by the loss of your Husband, Dad, Grandpa, and Great Grandpa. He was such a special person and meant so much to many of us over a span of many years. We have fond memories of him that we can always recall of the kindness he gave to others. He will be missed, but I’m sure he is already working on something that perhaps God was waiting for him to fix as Bob was never one to remain still for very long.. RIP. Hugs and prayers, Carol & Russ Hover
Donnie Brest
So many Memories riding my bike down when I was young and visiting (Bothering) with Bob. He always took the time to stop and share some racing stories. Great Man. Thank you Bob. Prayers to the Family.
Dean and Linda Tennison
Rick, Kelley, and Family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Patty and Bill Lovely
We are so sorry for your loss. Your father was always kind. He would come see me at Meijer when I worked there. What an amazing man.
Don and Lynda Zettlemoyer
So saddened to learn of the loss of Bob. I can recall the family’s visits to the Michigan State Fair. Somehow he could find every dip in the road on the drive to the fairgrounds. Simulated a roller coaster ride and produced laughs and giggles all the way. A truly remarkable and kind man with a terrific sense of humor. Our condolences to the family.
Tonya Topp
I’m very sorry for your loss of a great man! He will always be remembered in our hearts ♥️ He was a wonderful grandpa to Doug and Leslie! Hugs to you two and the entire family!
George Marks and Ronnie Marks
To The DePauw Family,
Having grown up in our neighborhood with Bob and his family, we have many fond memories of Bob and his family. Our hearts to go out to all of you in your time of loss. Find peace and comfort in your many, many memories of Bob, and the great man that he was. He’s not really gone, he is in your heart forever. Keep those memories close and they will provide comfort in the days ahead.
We are very sorry to miss the memorial today as we had to attend to doctor appointments. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Jo Jackson
Earline I am so sorry to hear about the passing of Bob! I am so sad I won’t be looking out my front window and seeing him out in the yard doing something every day!! Duke enjoyed his driveway talks with Bob and he always kept an eye out in case he needed help with whatever project he was doing!! I’m a little late but I’m just across the street if there’s anything you need in the coming days!! Please call me even if you just need someone to talk to!! I’m sure the Lord is making sure Bob is getting a well deserved rest!! ❤️