Mr. Robert Leo Dement

Mr. Robert Leo Dement also known by family and friends as “Bob” was born on April 9, 1929 in Redford, a son to the late Elmer and Sally (McMurry) Dement. Bob went to be with the Lord early Thursday morning, December 8, 2022 surrounded by his family at his home having reached the age of 93.

Those who remain to cherish his memory include his loving wife, Mary Rose Dement; daughter, Sandra Owen; three grandchildren, Amy Greif (husband, Robert), Suzanne Glaze (husband, Justin),and Michael Owen (wife, Jodi); seven great grandchildren, Emily Rose, Madison Faye, Evan, Molly, Owen, Brady Robert, and Tanner; two brothers: Darrell Dement (wife, Glora) and James Dement. Bob also leaves behind a host of nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

In addition to his father and mother, Bob was preceded in death by four siblings, Alma McKittrick, Ralph Dement, Gene Dement, and Carl Dement; father and mother-in-law, Cluster and Ettie Black; and many other dear in-laws and relatives.

Robert Leo Dement was a wonderful man that was loved, is missed, and will always be cherished. Bob, as he was called by many family and friends, was an amazing husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather. He was the true testament to the Dement heart…a big one.

Bob’s story started on April 9 1929, where he was the fourth oldest out of six siblings. He was often heard saying, “us Dements, we are the salt of the earth”. He shared stories of his first job at the age of 9, helping his dad with measuring the fallen trees for their logging business. Those early years instilled his strong work ethic that he carried throughout his life.

After Bob’s junior year of high school, he enlisted into the Army and served during WWII. When the war ended, he returned home and finished his senior year. Bob’s love of learning continued as he received both a Bachelor Degree in Education and a Masters in Special Education.

Bob met and married the love of his life, Mary Rose. After their first year of marriage, their daughter, Sandra was born. During his time obtaining his educational degrees he held many different jobs from factory work, trucking, to owning a gas station. His very first teaching job was in a one room schoolhouse. At this school he also drove the school bus and ran the daily functions of the school as he was the only employee. His career of teaching continued for the next 30 years. While teaching was his passion, he also built log cabins and sold mutual funds, because having one job was never enough.

During his time with Ozark National Life, he earned numerous awards and was able to take Mary on trips all over the world. Their love of traveling continued when they bought their camper and traveled throughout the US. Upon retirement, his most loved passion of hobby farming began in the early 90’s. This is where the valuable lesson of “we don’t eat our friends” began. He loved his animals on the farm, and would often leave events early as he had to get back to feed his “babies”. No meal was eaten without the scraps being saved to take home for all of his pets. Even though he was an excellent hunter in his younger years, as he got older he would't hurt a fly. Literally. Doors and windows were opened to help shoo out unwelcome critters.

Bob not only lived a long life of 93 years, he lived it full. Often full of jokes and teasing, he always had a smile and a playful nickname to give out to his loved ones. But mainly he is leaving a life full of love. He has shown us what true love is by his example of how he loved Mary these last 73 years. Each person who has met Bob is better for it, and may the lessons taught and learned from him remain in our hearts forever.

Funeral services for Bob were private. Interment was held at Black River Baptist Cemetery. Bob received full military honors presented by the United States Army. DeClue Funeral Home was honored to have served and ministered to the family of Mr. Bob Dement.