Bobby G. Rethelford, 84, of Hoopeston, IL, passed away at 8:45 P.M. Saturday September 16, 2023, at Carle Foundation Hospital in Urbana, IL. He was born November 17, 1938, in East Lynn, IL, the son of Paul and Dora (Campbell) Rethelford. He married Rita Chesnut on October 2, 1970, in Las Vegas, NV. She survives in Hoopeston.
He is also survived by two daughters, Tara (Ken) Caron of Scottsdale, AZ and Tricia (Ian) MacRae of Aurora, CO; three grandchildren, Blake, Quincy, and Mason; one brother, Marvin (Judy) Rethelford of Catlin, one brother-in-law, Randy (Linda) Chesnut of Hoopeston, and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; one sister, JoAnne Free; four brothers, Harry, Paul, Richard, and Perry Rethelford; and his father and mother-in-law, Bob and Marcile Chesnut.
Bob retired from the United States Army in 1978, after 20 years of service. He later owned and operated Bob’s Carpet Cleaning. He was a member of Hubbard Trail Country Club, the Hoopeston American Legion Post #384, and The Retired Enlisted Association (TREA). He enjoyed golfing, especially in the Bengay League and playing cards during the winter at the Potters. Most of all, Bob loved visiting his daughters in Arizona and Colorado, and watching Blake play hockey, Quincy do gymnastics, and Mason play baseball.
A graveside service will be held at 1:00 P.M. Friday September 22, 2023, at Floral Hill Cemetery in Hoopeston, with Pastor Kathy Murphy officiating. Military rites will be accorded by the Hoopeston American Legion Post #384. Memorial donations may be made in memory of Bob to the Hoopeston American Legion Post #384- Honor Guard, 502 E. Penn St., Hoopeston, IL 60942 or Hubbard Trail Country Club- Men’s Association, 13937 E. 3680 North Road, Hoopeston, IL 60942.
Please visit www.anderson-funeral-home.com to view Bobby’s eternal tribute page and to send the family condolences.
Anderson Funeral Home in Hoopeston is handling the arrangements.
