Robert Charles Newell Jr.

A lifelong resident of Belleville, he graduated from Belleville West High School. After graduating from college with a bachelor's degree in engineering, he went on to help survey and lay out the St. Louis airport. Following in his father’s footsteps, he spent many dedicated years working as a plant engineer at the historic Stag Brewery, keeping the local facility running smoothly until its eventual closure. Bob later returned to his high school alma mater, spending his final 20 working years giving back to Belleville School District 201 as a custodian until his retirement.

He wasn’t just our dad; he was what we like to call the “neighborhood dad.” He hosted many spontaneous BBQs, and all the kids on F Street were always invited. Always thinking of others first, he was the guy who would give the shirt off his back to help his children, family members, friends, and even strangers. We like to think of him as the unsung hero. As a single dad raising five kids, Bob always worked extra hard—sometimes walking home in the pouring rain—to make sure he provided everything his children needed.

He was a bit of a prankster and loved to tease and joke with the people in his life. Some of his favorite pastimes were playing video games (especially Pokémon, Zelda, and Final Fantasy), BBQing with his family, collecting and building computers, visiting with his children and grandchildren, and enjoying classic treats like Reese's Peanut Butter Cups, Little Debbie snacks, or a good old-fashioned cherry or apple pie. Nothing was more important to Bob than making sure his kids and grandkids were okay, and he frequently called or dropped by to check in on them.

He is survived by his daughter, Wendi, and her children, Jared, Spencer, and Zane; daughter, Malinda, and her children, Travis, Trent, Cash, Maleeha, and Koda; son, Robert, his wife, Charissa, and their children, Copeland and Oliver; stepson, Mark; and stepson, Dale, and his children, Elly and Emma.