Robert I. Dilts

Robert (Bob) I. Dilts was born in Marion, Indiana on April 12, 1940 to William and Emma Dilts. Bob's loving Aunt and Uncle, Mary and Cleo Trout were formative influences on Bob during his childhood and teenage years. He remained in Marion until joining the Marines in 1958. Bob was stationed many places during his 6 years in the Marines including Guantanamo Bay, San Diego and Beaufort, South Carolina. During his service with the Marines, his good friend, Ronnie, introduced him to a young lady from Jacksonville, Florida, LaVerne DeLettre. Bob and LaVerne were inseparable from that moment on. While planning their wedding, Bob was stationed at Guantanamo Bay. Because of mounting tensions in the area and the Bay of Pigs invasion, it was uncertain if Bob would be granted leave for their wedding. The day before their wedding, LaVerne entered her home and was surprised to see Bob waiting for her in the Florida room. They were married on July 1, 1961. Bob was Honorably Discharged from the Marines in 1964 and soon began working at General Motor Parts in Jacksonville, Florida. Bob and LaVerne added two children to their family, Robert, Jr. in 1966 and Laurie in 1968. In 1974, members of a neighborhood church reached out to the Dilts family, inviting them to church. Bob and LaVerne and their children became involved in Cedar Bay Baptist Church. Bob encountered Jesus there and began a relationship with Jesus as his Savior. Bob was very involved in the Children's Ministry for years, teaching Children's Church, and Vacation Bible School. Bob loved to take his family camping. Many summers were spent exploring the Blue Ridge Mountains and Great Smoky Mountains. Kingsley Lake in Starke, Florida was another favorite spot to spend time with family camping, fishing and boating - all the things Bob loved. Bob and LaVerne also loved the special dogs that they shared their life with. Snoopy, Duchess and Toby were wonderful additions to their family, bringing them lots of laughter and love over the years. Bob retired from General Motors in 1992. Bob and LaVerne continued their travels to the Blue Ridge Mountains, Vermont and all the beaches of Florida. They were each other's constant companion and caretakers. They were each other's best friend and the love of each other's life. Bob is survived by his wife, LaVerne, son Robert Dilts, Jr., daughter-in-law, Paige Dilts and grandchildren Ashton Dilts and Emory Dilts; daughter Laurie Jason, son-in-law, Ken Jason, and grandchildren Matthew Jason and Dakota Patton; brother William (Mary) Dilts, sister, Starr Watts, nephews, Stephen Dilts, Daniel Dilts, Richard Dilts and William Dilts, Jr. and good friends, Tom Dice and his wife, Barbara.