Robert Lowell LeClair, 86, of Clifton passed away on Monday, July 8, 2024 at St. Mary's Hospital in Kankakee. He was born January 7, 1938 in Kankakee, the son of Lowell and Bertha (Claire) LeClair. His parents preceded him in death. He married Phyllis Marie Wauthier on July 26, 1958 at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in L'Erable. She preceded him in death on October 13, 2018.
He is survived by six children, Robert (Debbie) LeClair of Clifton, Randall LeClair of Clifton, Ron (Therese) LeClair of Quarryville, PA, Richard LeClair of Clifton, Renee' (Patrick) Briggs of Stanley, NC and Ryan (Lisa) LeClair of Fall River, WI; 19 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; his sister, Cheryl (George) Heagle of Martinton; brother-in-law, Donald (Shirley) Wauthier of Clifton; as well as several nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Bob retired from Quaker Oats after 34 years, but many who knew him would say he never really retired. He was always there to help when needed. He later went on to be a driver for Iroquois County Special Education for several years. In the rare times he did rest, his hobbies were camping, fishing, reading, and watching movies, especially westerns. He also enjoyed capturing memories by taking pictures and videos at family events. While raising their children, Bob and Phyllis enjoyed camping, fishing, and traveling with great friends. After he retired from the factory, they began a tradition of spending summers on Two Inlets Lake in Park Rapids, MN. He loved spending time 'up there at the lake.'
Bob had a phenomenal memory, and enjoyed sharing stories and quotes. Ernest Hemingway said, "Every man has two deaths; when he is buried in the ground, and the last time someone says his name. In some ways men can be immortal." Although he has moved on to be reunited with the love of his life, Bob's memory will live on through his friends and family. He surely left this earth with many great memories of them.
Visitation will be from 4:00-8:00 p.m. on Sunday, July 14, 2024 at Knapp Funeral Home in Clifton.
Funeral Mass will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, July 15, 2024 at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in L’Erable. Fr. Doug Hauber will officiate. Burial will follow in L’Erable Catholic Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to the Clifton Food Pantry or Donor’s Choice.
