Robert Paul French, age 83, of Granite City, IL, passed away on Wednesday, February 12, 2025, at Addington Place of Collinsville, IL. Robert was born on August 14, 1941, in Carlinville, IL, a son of the late Leroy French and Faye (Goetcher) Buford.
Robert was a United States Air Force veteran who proudly served his country with honor. On October 5, 1963, Robert married Linda Fowler, the love of his life in Granite City, IL. Robert was a faithful member of Bethesda Baptist Church in Granite City, IL. Robert enjoyed working as a truck driver while seeing the United States. He worked for Fry-Wagner Industrial Movers for many years, and he retired from Twin Lake Trucking Company. He enjoyed riding his motorcycle, traveling and spending time with his family, whom he loved dearly. Robert will be sadly missed by all who knew and loved him.
In addition to his parents, Robert was preceded in death by three brothers and two sisters.
Robert is survived by his devoted wife of sixty-one years, Linda French of Granite City, IL; loving children, Paula French of Granite City, IL, Mark (Marcela) French Sr., of Granite City, IL, and Karen (Andrew) Jeffery of Collinsville, IL; dear sister, Norma Whipple of Old Monroe, MO; proud grandfather to Mark (Erica) French Jr., Landon Jeffery, Olivia Jeffery, Taylor Bauer and Dallas Bauer; proud great-grandfather to Kingston Bauer; many nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.
In celebration of his life, a visitation will be held from 8:30 a.m. until 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, February 19, 2025, at Irwin Chapel, Granite City, IL. The funeral service will follow at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, with Pastor David Denton and Pastor Mike Jameson officiating. Robert will be laid to rest at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery, St. Louis, MO.
Memorial donations may be given to Bethesda Baptist Church or Hospice of Southern Illinois. Donations will be accepted at the funeral chapel.
Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.irwinchapel.com.
