Robert “Bob” Eugene Scott, 80, of Bethalto, passed away on January 24, at 5:08 pm, surrounded by the family he loved, and that loved him, so dearly.
Bob was born on June 29, 1945 in Mount Vernon, IL to his parents Robert Kenneth and Vera Helen (Shelton) Scott. His parents’ unconditional love and patient guidance remained his model for the duty of parenthood and good citizenship throughout his life.
In his youth, Bob was a member of the Camp Ground Baptist Church and attended the accompanying two-room schoolhouse. He graduated from Mount Vernon High School in 1963. He enjoyed his youth tremendously, with the feasts and revelry that comes with of very large and extended family. Blessed with dozens of aunts and uncles and scores of cousins, there was always plenty of play and trouble to be had, and Bob enjoyed both.
At just 18 years old, Bob went to work for the McDonald Douglas Aircraft Corporation in Saint Louis, MO. A member of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers Local 837, he proudly worked on manufacturing the F4 Phantom, F15 Strike Eagle and F18 Super Hornet fighter jets. He possessed great satisfaction knowing the care, skill and professionalism he gave to his work directly equated to the safety of our uniformed service personnel and to the security of our nation. He retired after more than 36 years of faithful service to McDonald Douglas in 1999.
Stationed on the Korean demilitarized zone (DMZ). Technical Sergeant (E5) Scott served his country with honor in the United States Army from 1965-1967, carrying forward a proud military legacy, following in the footsteps of his father who served during World War II. In turn, his own footsteps were followed, continuing the lineages with honor, first his son, and then his grandson.
On September 2, 1989, he wed the former Mary Ellen King in Saint Louis, MO. They were married for 35 years until her death in 2024. Together they enjoyed their trips to Florida and spending time with their grandchildren. Bob was Mary’s primary caregiver in her final years and looked after her with great compassion and regard.
Bob was an avid motorcyclist. For over 20 years he rode with both the Cycle Saints chapter of the Christian Motorcyclists Association (CMA) promoting Christian values within the motorcycling community and Region 5 of the Patriot Guard Riders supporting the families of fallen military men and women across Illinois.
In his retirement, Bob enjoyed supporting his grandchildren’s and great grandchildren’s interests and talents in cheer leading, volleyball, scouting, marching band, football, wrestling, swimming, basketball, martial arts, musical theatre, cross country racing, hockey, baseball and soccer.
He was preceded in death by his beloved parents, his dear wife, stepdaughter Carrie Lee Panyik, and grandson Matthew Anastas Cranias.
Bob leaves behind a long and wide legacy. He spent nearly four decades raising eight children with ages spanning over 28 years. Ranging in ages from 36 to 64, Bob was still nurturing them at the time of his passing. Whether biological or by marriage, he gave them his utmost love and devotion to them, one and all.
Eight children will gravely miss their Dad: step-son Wally D. Spangler (Helen) of Mount Vernon, IL, step-son Curtis L. Spangler (Susan) of Whittington, IL, step-daughter Vicci L. Cranias (Freddy) of Sanford, FL, son Troy G. Scott (Laura) of Springfield, IL, daughter Ginger L. Toolen of East Alton, IL, step-daughter Kellie L. Romano (Gregory) of Bethalto, IL, and son Chad A. Scott (Whitley) of Bethalto, IL
Bob is further survived by eleven grandchildren who adored him: Nicole Day (James), and Donovan and Liberty Scott of Springfield, IL; Lily Romano and McKenna, Conner, and Caroline Scott of Bethalto, IL; and Christopher Cranias (Kristin) and Jessica Magee (Matt) of Sanford. FL; Zachary Romano (Alana) of Seattle, WA, and Xavier Rogers of Mount Vernon, IL.
He also leaves behind five great-grandchildren that loved their PaPa very much: Archer and Eleanor Day of Springfield, IL; and Christopher and Jonathon Magee and Emilia Cranias of Sanford, FL.
In his final days, one of his last requests was to make it known how much he appreciated his daughter Ginger’s constant care, lifelong companionship and undying love. Not only did she provide the primary care for Bob’s health, managed his finances and supported him through his wife, Mary’s, illness and passing, she was the singular constant in his life since her birth in 1972. Daddy’s girl, once and forever.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, January 29th, between 4:00 and 7:00 pm with prayer service at 6:30 pm, held at Elias, Kallal & Schaaf Funeral Home In Bethalto, IL. Funeral services will be held on Friday, January 30th, with visitation 11:00 am-12:00 pm and funeral at 12:00 pm at Hughey Funeral Home in Mount Vernon, IL. Final interment will immediately following at Mount Vernon Memorial Gardens, Mount Vernon, IL.
Memorials are suggested to the St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital .
Call Hughey Funeral Home at 618-242-3348 or visit hugheyfh.com for further information.