Obituary: Charles Robert Bybee

Charles Robert Bybee, 84, died at 10:45 a.m. Saturday, May 30, 2015 in Harrisburg Medical Center in Harrisburg.

Bob was born on November 18, 1930 to Cecil and Lucille(Keil) Bybee in Hannibal, Missouri. He was a U.S. Army Lieutenant. He was a Certified Nurse Anesthetist and owned several business including Southern Illinois Anesthesia Group and Colonial Recreation. Bob married Rita Helen McMillen on April 18, 1955. He was a pilot and an aviation enthusiast who constructed three home-built experimental aircrafts. Bob enjoyed his many friendships from the various clubs he belonged to like the Harrisburg and Marion Elks, the local EAA chapters, ham radio (AA9TD) and his daily coffee clutch group.

Survivors include five children, Teresa "Teri" (Bob) Rutherford of Slana, Alaska, Charles "Chuck" (Vickie Hughes) Bybee Jr. of Chicago, Diane Petrocelli of Cocoa, Florida, John (Annette) Bybee of Burlington, Iowa, and Mark (Diane) Bybee of Carterville; 17 grandchildren and 21 great-grandchildren.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents, Cecil Bybee and Lucille Keil, his wife, Rita Bybee; a son, Roger Bybee; a daughter-in-law, Naomi Eigner-Bybee and a son-in-law, Ernest Petrocelli.

A private memorial service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to VNA Plus Home Care & Hospice. Reed Funeral Chapel is assisting the family with arrangements.