Robert Eugene Dyer of St. Joseph passed away at home, surrounded by family, following a long and courageous battle with multiple health issues.
A Celebration of Life service will be held at 10:30 A.M., Thursday, August 24, 2017 at First United Methodist Church, St. Joseph, with Reverend Harris Hoekwater officiating. Friends may visit with the family from 5:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M., Wednesday, August 23, 2017 at Starks & Menchinger Chapel, 2650 Niles Rd., St. Joseph. Burial will follow at Riverview Cemetery, St. Joseph. Memorial donations may be made to First United Methodist Church – St. Joseph or The Caring Circle- Hospice at Home. Those wishing to share a memory or sign the guest book online may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com.
Bob was born on December 20, 1930, in Hartford, MI to Raymond and Myrtle (Robinson) Dyer. He married Eleanor Kirby on July 31, 1952, in Benton Harbor. Eleanor preceded Bob in death on January 22, 2006. He had resided in St. Joseph for the past 64 years, 53 of those years with Eleanor.
Bob was a proud U.S. Army veteran, serving in the 40th Infantry Division in Korea from January 1952 to December 1953. After his honorable discharge, he began a 36-year career working for the United States Postal Service. He advanced from a carrier to Assistant Postmaster of the St. Joseph Post Office over 30 years, then served as Postmaster of the Stevensville Post Office for 6 years.
Bob’s life was defined by his love for family and his service to others. Bob and Eleanor created a strong and loving relationship together and built a caring and supportive family environment for their children and extended family. He was a long-term member of First United Methodist Church, St. Joseph, where he served on many committees – many years serving in leadership roles. He was instrumental in the Missions Commissions Annual Winter Coat Box and Mitten Tree program. For 25 years, most with Eleanor, he collected almost 3,800 coats and 14,500 gloves and hats for distribution to many area organizations.
Bob coached youth athletics and attended a large number of athletic and school programs to support his children and grandchildren, and continued to attend St. Joseph High School football games even as his health became a challenge in order to support both the team and the band. He was a long-time member of the American Legion and Lakeshore Lions Club. He also served as local Service Center Officer for National Active and Retired Federal Employees as well as National Association of Postmasters of United States.
Family camping trips and holiday get-togethers were always highlights in his life. Aside from family, he also enjoyed “fixing things”, spending winters in Florida, enjoying breakfast with Don and Larry, and following the Chicago Cubs and Detroit Lions.
He was especially proud of each of his six grandchildren. He felt privileged to be part of their lives and always talked about their educational and career accomplishments.
Bob is survived by three children, Karol Kvorka of DeWitt, MI, Richard (Pamela) Dyer of St. Joseph, and Janet (Joseph) Camilleri of Grandville, MI; and six grandchildren: Kristine Kvorka, Kimberly Kvorka, Andrew Dyer, Timothy Dyer, Emma Camilleri, and Anna Camilleri. He is also survived by a sister, Nancy Huffman of Hartford, MI as well as numerous sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, lifetime friends and relatives, and his dog, Molly. Bob was preceded in death by Eleanor, the love of his life; his parents; and his brother, William Dyer.