Robert 'Bob' Ray Gleckler

Robert (Bob) Ray Gleckler, age 91, of Barry, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family on July 19, 2024.  Bob was a creative and an unbelievably well natured individual that everyone loved.

Bob was born and raised in Barry, IL.  He was born October 17, 1932, and lived an honorable life to say the least!  Bob was the son of Harold Ray and Laura Ruth Hartoon Gleckler.  He is survived by his beautiful wife Laverda and they were married for 64 years.

After graduating from Barry High School, he received a bachelor's degree from Bradley University. He worked at the Joliet Arsenal after college before being drafted into the United States Army, where he was stationed in Ft. Leonard Wood, Georgia and reached the rank of Corporal.  After his Army service he returned to the Arsenal and after few short months he came back to Barry to the family farm. 

Robert is survived by his three children, Daughter Cynthia (Mark) Piper and two sons Bryce (Dona) Gleckler and Bradley (Sherry) Gleckler; grandchildren Krista (Mike) Rebbe, Samantha Hill, Justin(Jennifer) Noble, Keenan (Nicole) Noble and Mathew (Shelby) Gleckler; great grandchildren, Ethan Booth, Hadley Hill, Jameson Noble, Joel Noble, Emma Noble, Daniel Noble, Harrison Gleckler and Vayda Gleckler; several nieces and nephews also survive.  He was preceded in death by his parents, one brother Harold Gleckler and one sister in infancy.

Bob had many accomplishments in life and was very supportive of his church, family and community.  Bob always had a smile on his face and was friendly as can be.  He was a ‘people person’ and was always helpful to anyone that knew him.  He was a 79-year member of the Barry Methodist Church where he served as choir director for well over 50 years. 

Bob also served on the Barry School board, Hadley Township Board, Hadley Township Election Board, Barry Mutual Insurance Company Board, Carthage Mutual Insurance Company Board, ASCS County Board, FHA-Loan Board and church treasurer.  He joined the Barry Masonic Lodge in 1954 which later merged with the Eldara Masonic Lodge #388 and he achieved the status of ‘Knights York-Cross of Honor in 2002. 

Bob loved music and sang in over a dozen choirs in the local area and in other states during his travels.  Bob loved spending time with family, especially if he could get in a game of “Wizard”, which was his favorite card game.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 AM, Tuesday July 23, 2024, at the Barry United Methodist Church, interment will be at Park Lawn Cemetery in Barry, IL.  There will be a visitation on Monday July 22, 2024, at the Niebur Funeral Chapel in Barry, Il from 4:00PM-6:00PM.  A Masonic Service will be held at 6:00PM following visitation.  Memorials are suggested to be made to the Barry United Methodist Church.  Online condolences may be left to the family at www.nieburfh.com.  Niebur Funeral Chapel is handling the arrangements.

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