Editorial

Bob Depro's impact will live on in Sikeston

Saturday, December 17, 2016

Despite my very best intent, I will never find the appropriate words to express the loss for our community with the passing of Bob Depro.

Honestly, space will simply not permit a complete list of the ways that Bob impacted Sikeston and the amazing legacy he leaves behind.

Few residents of Sikeston - especially those who attended public school here - cannot cite a story or anecdote that included Bob.

An absolutely tireless leader and mentor, Bob was universally liked and respected in a manner matched by few if any in Sikeston.

Can anyone remember Bob without that ever-present smile? Bob couldn't go to the grocery store without stopping a dozen times to chat or encourage or congratulate one of his former students or lifelong friends.

And if a man's life is judged in part by his friends, then few if any can come close to matching his reach.

Bob was first and foremost perhaps a man of deep faith. He wore that faith proudly for all to see and he lived each day of his life by that very same faith.

Bob was devoted to his mother in a manner that puts the rest of us to shame. And in so many ways, Bob had that same level of devotion to his community and the residents in all walks of life with whom he came in contact.

We often speak of individuals who have their fingers on the pulse of a community. That was Bob.

I had the privilege of sharing a backyard fence with Bob for a number of years. And over that fence, Bob shared a lifetime of experiences and knowledge that was hard to imagine.

He had an amazing memory of our community's past which placed him in the perfect position to guide our community's future. And don't doubt for one minute that Bob's voice was not an essential ingredient to providing the groundwork for our progress.

Since his untimely passing this week, the outpouring of love and respect for Bob Depro has been an appropriate tribute to his life and his accomplishments.

In all walks of life, there are different type of leaders. Bob was a quiet leader who would listen to all views and then, with a level of respect rare these days, voice his reasoned thoughts as only a gentleman could.

Many men and women leave their mark on a community in countless ways. But very few are able to guide and influence decisions with the approach that Bob brought to the table.

To say that Bob Depro will be missed in an understatement. Yet his accomplishments, his character, his reputation and his spirit will live on in countless issues large and small.

Our community has the motto "Sikeston Proud". And nothing exemplifies that motto more than the legacy of Bob Depro.

Goodnight my friend. I pray our paths will cross again someday.

Michael Jensen

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