Robert Everett Hough Jr. (also known as Bob, Bobber, or Sweet Old Bob) completed his life peacefully on July 11, 2018 at the age of 91 with daughter Karen and son-in-law Steve by his side. Bob was born on November 5, 1926 in Rockford, IL.
He graduated from Rockford West High School, where he was commencement speaker and lettered in football (quarterback and running back) and track (pole vault and high jump).
Bob enlisted in the US Army Air Corps cadet program in 1944 upon graduation. He was 17 years old and like many patriotic young men of the time, was eager to serve his country and do his part to bring World War II to an end. His basic training was at Sheppard AFB in Texas. He was assigned for duty at Lowry Field in Denver, CO for pilot training and he hoped to fly the P-51 Mustang fighter/bomber. He was proud to learn that the U.S. had succeeded in winning the war in 1945, and he was transferred to Chanute Field near Champaign, IL, where he was honorably discharged from service at the age of 19.
During his service in Denver Bob attended a USO dance where he happened to meet his future wife, Betty (Meloan) Hough. Incredibly, they both hailed from Rockford, IL, over 1000 miles away. They were married 4 years later and remained married for 65 happy years until Betty’s passing in 2014. They had 2 adoring daughters, Cheryl and Karen.
Bob had a long and successful career in sales and marketing, first with the Carnation Company and then as National Field Sales Manager for National Lock Corporation in Rockford, IL and then Sikeston, MO. Soon after retirement Bob and Betty moved to The Villages, FL in 1992.
Bob was an accomplished golfer who hit a hole-in-one not once but twice, and he often “shot his age” well into his upper 80s. He was also a talented artist who made beautiful nature woodcarvings and colored pencil paintings. He was a lifelong Chicago Cubs fan and was ecstatic when the Cubs won the 2016 World Series in time to celebrate his 90th birthday! He really enjoyed participating in the September 2016 virtual Villages Honor Flight. Bob was also a longtime member of North Lake Presbyterian Church.
Bob’s lifelong friend from high school, the Air Corps, and National Lock, Richard Alden, said “I never heard a bad word about Bob Hough.” Indeed, Bob was a gentle man and a true gentleman. Everyone who knew Bob loved him and had a great time being around him. He was so much fun! He will be fondly remembered and admired for his sense of humor, calm and easygoing manner, modesty, tact and diplomacy, kindness, intelligence, optimism, charm, integrity, wisdom, resilience, and generosity. We will especially never forget the twinkle in his eye, the heartwarming smile on his face, and the genuine love in his heart.
Bob is now reunited with his parents Robert & Maude Hough, his sisters Janet and Ruthie, and daughter Cheryl Schmidt and son-in-law Frank Schmidt. He will always be missed and loved by those of us who will meet up with him again someday, including so many dear friends and his loving family: devoted daughter and best friend Karen Friebel & treasured son-in-law Steve Friebel; sister-in-law Suzanne Smith & husband Dean; brother-in-law Jon Meloan & wife Gail; grandson Matt Schmidt & wife Anna; granddaughters Cathy Lebron & husband Ismael, and Jackie Williams & husband Mike; grandsons Brad Friebel & wife Amy, and Andy Friebel & wife Jamie; and great-grandchildren Antoinette & Ashley Severino; Cheryl & Brent Schmidt; Eva & Nicolas Lebron; Owen, Jackson & Shelby Williams; Jamison, Grayson & Tennyson Friebel; and Emily & Bennett Friebel.
We are forever grateful to the entire staff of Buffalo Crossings Rehabilitation & Healthcare Center in The Villages for the kindness, professionalism, care, respect, and love given to my dad and to us during his stay from March until his recent passing. They have been like family to us.
Bob will always be admired, appreciated, remembered, loved, and kept in our hearts. As his daughter, I am so proud of everything my dad did during his 91 years and of how he lived his life. I could not have asked for a better role model. It has been a privilege to spend so much time with him and for Steve and I to have been able to be there by his side when he completed this remarkable life. We salute you, Dad! Thank you, and always remember how much we love you!
A tribute to Bob’s life will be held on July 28, 2018 beginning at 11 a.m. at Beyers Funeral Home in Lady Lake, FL.
Donations in his memory may be made to: Villages Honor Flight P.O. Box 490 Lady lake, FL 32158-0490.