Robert Baldwin LaDue's Obituary
Robert “Bob” LaDue went home to be with the Lord on Monday, October 9, 2017, surrounded by his family, after a courageous battle with cancer. Bob was born on January 10, 1925 in Toledo, Ohio. After serving for two years in the Air Force he attended the University of Toledo where he joined Phi Kappa Psi Fraternity and earned his B.A. in Marketing. There he met and later married our beautiful Mother, Beverly Ann Diethelm, his first love. During their 54 year marriage they partnered well together to navigate raising five children, numerous relocations, and the stresses of Bob’s demanding career with IBM. Bob left an indelible mark during his 30 year career as Director of Sales Training for the Office Products Division and later as a Resident Manager in Dallas.As all who knew Bob would agree, he was a “force” to be reckoned with. Full of personality, charismatic, a great joke teller and avid golfer, Bob’s energy brought life to every gathering. Bob retired from IBM in 1987 and spent time playing more golf, traveling with Bev, and enjoying an ever-expanding family. Bob’s devotion to Bev was witnessed by all as he cared for her during her long illness. She went to be with the Lord on November 15, 2003. At 80 years old and thinking life was over, no one was more surprised than our Dad when he met a cute “younger” woman, Bette Blair, at church one Sunday. He immediately recognized her as his soul mate and began a new chapter with her as his friend and companion. She was shocked to find out he wasn’t 65 as she was, but a much “older” man. Bette and Bob attended Calvary Church in Irving where they met many new friends, and Bob was involved in promoting awareness of The Moses Law. As their relationship grew over 13 years, Bob was blessed to share it with his most recent new love. As a family, we also witnessed his relationship with the Lord blossom and his personality soften as a result of Bette’s love and example.Bob is survived by his brother Dick LaDue and wife, Flo, of Hot Springs, Arkansas his son Craig LaDue and wife Jan; daughters, Carol Speckman and husband Don, Christi Hawkins and husband David; Cindy Wallets, and Cheri LaDue and partner Sue Fusco. In addition, he leaves behind ten grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren who will deeply miss their Papa.The loss of our Dad is devastating, and we long to be reunited with him in Heaven. We are thankful he is healed and whole and enjoying his family, friends, favorite dogs, Shawna and Puttee, and most importantly, the presence of our Creator and King.Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, October 14, 2017, at 2:30 PM in The Memorial Chapel at Restland Funeral Home.Memorials may be sent to Calvary Church, 4401 N. State Hwy. 161, Irving, TX 75038, www.calvarvchurch.ee; First Liberty, 2001 W. Piano Pkwy, Ste. 1600, Piano, TX 75075, www.firstlibertv.org; or the charity of your choice.
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