Bobby Dean "Bob" Minter

Herrin- Bobby Dean (Bob) Minter passed away at 1:15 am, Saturday June 2, 2012 at Herrin Hospital surrounded by his loving family. Bob was born January 29, 1927 in Marion, Il , to Raymond and Pearl Minter. He married Hilda Reiger on July 19, 1946, in Louisville, Kentucky. She survives in Herrin. Bob proudly served his country during WWII in the United States Navy. He was also a longtime member of First United Methodist Church in Herrin. Once honorably discharged he began working at Rechter Bros. in Herrin and quickly rose to manager. He then moved to furniture sales and worked for George Fredman and then his son Larry for 40 years. A move to California took him to Macy's as an Interior Designer. Bob later retired from Macy's and returned to Herrin with his wife. In 1989 he decided to start "another" career. He went back to school and became a Certified Nursing Assistant. He loved people and always wanted to help those in need. He helped in nursing homes and in home health care and later volunteered at Herrin Hospital and the Veterans Hospital in Marion. Bob loved his family and was usually the life of the gathering. He especially loved the holidays and summer cook outs with all of his family. He also enjoyed painting, reading and playing with the many little dogs that he had over the years. Survivors include his wife of 66 years Hilda Reiger Minter of Herrin; daughter Jean Ellen and husband Rick McNeill of Herrin; son Ron and wife Jeannie of Cape Canaveral, Florida; granddaughters Sheri and husband Bryan Williams of Bonney Lake, Washington, and Lori and husband Mark Brooks of Waterloo, Illinois; grandson Mike and wife Susie Minter of Omaha, Nebraska; a sister that he was very close to Ellen Wilson of Belleville, Illinois; sister-in-law Jean and husband Lonnie Horn of Pinckneyville, Illinois; great grandchildren Allyson, Katelyn and Braden Williams, Ryan and Olivia Brooks, and Rachael and Michael Minter. A niece Diane and P.K. Johnson of Belleville, Illinois and nephew Greg and Cheryl Horn of East Carondolet, Illinois Bob always had a smile on his face, a kind word and a big hug for everyone. He brightened many days just by being around. He will be deeply missed by his family and many friends. Those preceding him in death were his mother Pearl Minter, father Raymond Minter, infant baby brother, mother-in-law Lulla Reiger Goff, and father-in-law Gomen Reiger. Bob's wishes were to be cremated. A memorial service celebrating Bob's life will be held at First United Methodist Church in Herrin at 4:00 in the afternoon on Monday, June 4th, 2012. It will be led by special friend of Bob's and the family-Rev. Ed Hoke. We wish to extend a special thank you to Bob's long time doctor and friends, Dr. Bill Hays and wife Pam, special nurse Norma Harrison, RN, the staff at Herrin Hospital that were so good to him and the family, the staff at Hurricane Creek Assisted Living, and Hospice of Southern Illinois. Memorial donations may be made to First United Methodist Church of Herrin. Johnson Hughes Funeral Home in Herrin is in charge of the arrangement.