Robert E. Darrow

WASHINGTON?Robert E. Darrow, 82, of Washington, passed away at 6:25 a.m., Friday, June 20, 2014 at Washington Christian Village. Visitation will be on Monday, June 23, 2014 from 5 to 7 p.m. at Mason-White Funeral Home and also one hour prior to the 10 a.m. Catholic Mass on Tuesday at St. Patrick?s Catholic Church. All services are located in Washington. Bob was born on May 10, 1932 in Detroit, Michigan to Harry and Margaret (Klees) Darrow. He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Laverna (Ritter) Darrow. They were married in Salem, Illinois on February 1, 1952. Also surviving are their seven children; Patricia Bailey of East Peoria, Linda (Doyle) Worlow of Girard, Debra Darrow of Washington, Michael (Cheryl) Darrow of Washington, Theresa (Dave) Shimmin of Peoria, Janet (Wes) Berdine of Bloomington and David (Belle) Darrow of Washington. Bob also has seven grandchildren; Amanda, Christopher (Coral), Neil, Nicole, Ty, Timothy and Benjamin. Bob is also survived by his sister Mildred Phillips and two brothers, John (Bonnie) Darrow and Charlie (Janice) Darrow of Florida. Bob was a long time resident of Washington and member of St. Patrick Church and the Knights of Columbus. He worked at Caterpillar for 44 years--sharing his commute with others who became lifetime friends. Bob also worked many years for the Sunnyland area school district as a second job. Bob?s greatest joy was his wife "My Treasure" and his family. He took on extra jobs so his young family could enjoy camping trips to many great places. Bob was an active learner who was eager to lend his wisdom and mechanical skills to his family and friends. He enjoyed the freedom of his retirement years to be actively involved with his grandkids, his church, his friends and his plants. We will miss him greatly and wish to honor him by treasuring the memories of our time with him and to continue his gift of a loving heart and ready sense of humor. Bob?s laughter, teasing, generosity and values are the very core of the Darrow legacy that we hope will continue throughout the generations. Many have been blessed to have known Bob before he was called Home to be with his Heavenly Father. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer?s Association or the Peoria Animal Shelter PAWS (now known as PCAPS.)