Robert “Bobby” Rea, 80, passed away at 12:30 p.m. on September 27, 2023, at his home surrounded by his family. He was born to William and Vesta (Meador) Rea on August 24, 1943, in Alton, Illinois. He married Lois (Overton) Rea on December 3, 1965, at Freewill Baptist Church in South Roxana, Illinois. They have celebrated fifty - seven years of marriage.
He went to work at McDonell Douglas which later became Boeing Corp. when he was twenty years old, retiring in 2004 after forty - one years of service. His greatest joy in life was vacationing and spending time with his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by a daughter and son in law: Lisa and Joey Westfall of Edwardsville, his grandchildren: Nicole (Nick) Bailey of Holiday Shores, Taylor Westfall of Edwardsville, Drake Westfall of Edwardsville, his great grandchildren: Jaxon Bailey and Jensen Bailey, many nieces, nephews, and other extended family and friends.
He was preceded in death by six siblings: Ahmalee Cross, Gale Rea, Merlene Hill, Lorene Talley, Charles Rea, and Ronald Rea.
Visitation will be held from 4pm to 7pm on Sunday October 1, 2023, at Pitchford Funeral Home in Wood River and will continue from 10am until time of funeral services at 11am on Monday, October 2, 2023, at the funeral home. Chaplain Randy Butler will officiate. Burial will follow at Wanda Cemetery in South Roxana.
Memorials are suggested to Lifebrook Church of God, 400 North Beau Chateaux, Bethalto, Illinois, 62010, and will be accepted at the funeral home.
We would like to thank BJC Hospice for the wonderful care they provided to our loved one and our family during his final days.
Online guestbook available at www.pitchfordfuneralhome.com.
