Robert Menard, Sr.

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Robert “Bobby” Leroy Menard, Sr., 76, of Belleville, IL, born September 11, 1943, in East St. Louis, IL, died Wednesday, September 18, 2019, at Barnes Hospital, St. Louis, MO.

Bobby was the owner of several businesses over the years, including Bob’s Confectionery, Bob’s Park Place Market, Bobby’s Night Club, and most recently, Schatze’s Bar in Belleville, IL. He was a past fuel mechanic, a member of the Teamsters Local 50, the Illinois Bar Association, and a Sterling Corporate member of the Country Music Association (CMA). Bobby had a love for country music and playing the steel guitar for Bobby’s Cowboys and other bands. He was a former Boy Scout and had also coached little league and basketball. Bobby enjoyed spending time with his family and friends and greeting people at the bar.

He was preceded in death by a daughter, Angelina Menard; his parents, Joseph and Edna, nee Woods, Menard; a brother-in-law, William Eck; four uncles, Frank Menard, Elmer Menard, Arnold (Evelyn) Menard, and Fred (Jessie) Menard; and an aunt, Madonna Eck.

Surviving are his daughter, Angela Menard-Mueller (Scott Mueller);
two sons, Robert “Bobby” Jr. (Jacquelyn) Menard and Bradley (Lauren) Menard;
eight grandchildren, Robert III (Chelsea) Menard,
Chase Menard, Chandler, Brylee, and Amariss Mueller,
Haleigh (Justin) Westerman, and Alayna and Caleb Menard;
two great-grandchildren, Juslynn and Gannon Westerman;
his girlfriend, Rhonda Vasquez and her family, Christine (Tim) Keller,
Eric (Emily) Vasquez, Randy (Raven) Vasquez, and Bryan Vasquez;
his ex-wife, Jerry Trice-Menard;
a sister, Judy Eck;
many nieces, nephews, and cousins;
and his cat, Felix.

Memorials may be made to the Ainad Shriners or to the March of Dimes. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.rennerfh.com.

Visitation: Friends may visit the family from 3 to 7 p.m. Sunday, September 22, 2019, and from 9 to 11 a.m. Monday, September 23, 2019, at George Renner & Sons Funeral Home, Belleville, IL.

Funeral: Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, September 23, 2019, at George Renner & Sons Funeral Home, Belleville, IL, with Father Mark Reyling officiating.

Burial will be at Lake View Memorial Gardens, Fairview Heights, IL.

Condolences:

48 Comments on Robert Menard, Sr.

Harold Tindall said : Guest Report Mar 17, 2022 at 4:17 PM

Rip my best friend will miss you a lot

  • Fairview Heighs
  • Illinois
Mr & Mrs Steve and Denise (Cogut)Zanko said : Guest Report Nov 03, 2019 at 8:39 AM

Bobby was always such a happy, energetic and giving man. He was always full of wisdom and talents beyond compare. A true model of a wonderful father to his children and provider to his family. He'd give you the shirt off his back. He cared about so many people in life and was always welcoming to those who came to visit. I remember how he welcomed my new husband, Steve and I and showed us his two establishments. We were so appreciative of how he and his sweet daughter, and my cousin, Angie, took the time to visit with us. He showed us his home and his guitars and stories of playing along side other greats. He treated us like royalty with a wonderful meal and drinks served up by his very talented manager and son Bobby,Jr. I was so happy to have seen him after so many years! We got to see Jerry Menard whom i loved as a child growing up. She's always been so warm and approachable. Her smiles and her super cheerful side has made me feel so close to Gerry. I remembered as a teen visiting Bobby's piano bar and his large banquet room for Angie's wedding shower. I feel so blessed to have shared this time to visit Bobby when my husband could meet this man whose been an icon in my family for so long. I only wish that we could have shared even more time over drinks and reminenced over more stories, for he had alot of experience, friends and love for his businesses and for all who entered his door. Im so saddened by his passing. What a legacy and what a wonderfully, sweet man to have known and loved. I miss you and love you Bobby! I know you enjoyed your life and now God and all his heavenly angels get to benefit from having you there. Maybe you're entertaining them too! Maybe my Aunt Mildred i miss is there, too, to greet you with my grandmother, Verda Mannion. Till we meet again! Heaven's a "Real Happpen' Place" NOW! With YOU there you're sure to Shake it Up! HAHA!☺ With all our love, Steve and Denise Zanko xxx

  • Oswego
  • IL
Peggy Dryden said : Guest Report Sep 23, 2019 at 9:46 PM

Sorry to have missed your services as I was sick but sure you had lots of people there. It will be sad to drive by those places you've had and not think of you. I'll remember him for his quick wit, he always had an answer. I had a great time going to Bobby's and dancing all night. Don't know of any club that did as well for so long. Will miss you and condolences to your family. May he rest in peace.

  • Collinsville
  • IL
James Nicholson said : Guest Report Sep 22, 2019 at 10:04 PM

R.I.P Bobby Mehnard. Prayers to his family and friends. Bobby was a good man and a great boss. I was a bartender at Bobby's Good Time Country for a few years. Bobby was my first boss. Always treated me with respect and kindness. Always was very strict but taught me so much about life and the buisness, especially how to treat people. Without Bobby, I would not have my love of country music. It was pure joy to watch Bobby play while I worked. In the 40 years since, I have honestly never listened to steel guitar and not thought of Bobby. A great man and mentor, he will be missed.

  • Godfrey
  • Illinois
Larry & Jody said : Guest Report Sep 22, 2019 at 5:29 PM

Rest in peace another angel watching over us. You were like family and helped us over the years we will miss you very much.

  • Belleville
  • IL
Jim & Melissa Schlecht said : Guest Report Sep 22, 2019 at 4:52 PM

God Bless you in heaven Bobby. You will be greatly missed.

  • Millstadt
  • Illinois
EDAWRD MOKSZYCKI [MOE} said : Guest Report Sep 22, 2019 at 4:40 PM

I'll miss you old Buddy, no one would believe what we did when we wear young, no one but us. Your old Buddy MOE.........

  • YALAHA
  • FL
Dean & Julie Darnall said : Guest Report Sep 22, 2019 at 3:42 PM

Our deepest condolences to Bobby's family and friends. He was extended family to us. Always sweet, fun and joking!! We will miss our visits with him that is for sure. RIP Bobby. It's not good bye, but see ya later! ?

  • Ofallon
  • IL
Misty Miller said : Guest Report Sep 22, 2019 at 1:01 AM

Bobby was a great boss and friend❤️He will truly be missed by many?RIP Boss Man?

  • Belleville
  • Illinois
Dick Tindall said : Guest Report Sep 21, 2019 at 10:21 PM

Sorry for your loss. Knew him since we were kids. Will miss him.

  • Godfrey
  • IL
Patrick said : Guest Report Sep 21, 2019 at 7:44 PM

I will miss you my friend

  • Belleville
  • Il
RUSS ANDERSON said : Guest Report Sep 21, 2019 at 3:43 PM

always thought bobby was one of the greatest guys i ever met, hard core on the outside gentle as a lamb on the inside.rest in peace Buddy prayers out to the family

  • CAHOKIA
  • Illinois
Barry k.Tremmel said : Guest Report Sep 21, 2019 at 4:08 AM

R.I.P. Bobby you will missed deeply, we had many laughs together, condolences to all your family

  • Caseyville
  • Ill.
Dawn said : Guest Report Sep 21, 2019 at 2:45 AM

Prayers for Bobby's family he will be greatly missed loved drinking and having a great time at his bars

  • Granite city
  • IL
Chad justice said : Guest Report Sep 21, 2019 at 1:50 AM

Thank you for the memories my friend. This saddens me to hear. I will never forget the days at Bobby’s and you putting me up to riding That damn shovel behind a horse at one of your rodeos. I could go on and on about the memories you were so good to me. You will be missed thank you Bobby RIP

  • Freeburg
  • Illinois
Kristina said : Guest Report Sep 21, 2019 at 12:49 AM

He was great friends with my father. He was truly a great man. He will be missed by many

  • Goreville
  • Il
Laura Fratus said : Guest Report Sep 20, 2019 at 11:30 PM

the years I worked at Bobby's were some of the best of my youth! I met my best friend(pink) there. He taught me a lot and contributed to my success later on. He had a way of making you feel important. I will miss "the old man". Laura

  • Fairview heights
  • Il
(DC) David james corwin said : Guest Report Sep 20, 2019 at 9:36 PM

It is sad to hear of your passing.to some you may have been strict on running your bar and how u did things.but I never seen a day where your bar wasnt packed at 4pm on Thursdays for happy hour karaoke.schatzes..bobbys...lakehouse great times...I hope your family will keep things going for many years to come.r.I.p

  • Belleville
  • Illinois
Mike and Kathy Reynolds said : Guest Report Sep 20, 2019 at 8:30 PM

So sorry the world will miss that great smile. Who always brightened the lives of many.

  • Millstadt
  • IZl
John & Patty Richardson said : Guest Report Sep 20, 2019 at 8:07 PM

Our deepest sympathies to the whole Menard clan. We've known Bobby Sr. since the old ESL days, 50's & 60's; my how time flies. Asking God to cradle all of you in the palm of His hands through this difficult time.

  • O'Fallon
  • IL
Bonnie Rohr said : Guest Report Sep 20, 2019 at 7:09 PM

Bobby Bobby, I thought you would live forever. I so enjoyed working for you at Bobby’s., we worked hard for you I always enjoyed your music. You’ll be missed by many ♥️

  • Ofallon
  • IL
Brandy Lawless “Kimbrell” said : Guest Report Sep 20, 2019 at 4:40 PM

May he Rest In Peace. Bobby, was one of a kind for sure! He loved people, family and friends. He was a close family friend to our family. I worked for Bobby at Honky Tonk Heaven, Bobby’s, “both sides” and Schatze’s. He was a great employer and friend. I was fortunate to have got to work for him again during my visit there last year in Saint Patrick’s Day. He looked happy and Hadn’t looked as he has aged a bit! ? my deepest condolences are with his family and friends. He will be missed by many. I know he is in Heaven with his family and friends now in peace free of pain. He will always have a place in my heart for all the memories made.

  • Arlington
  • Texas
Kathy Pinkerton said : Guest Report Sep 20, 2019 at 4:31 PM

I can only imagine the lives this one man touched over his years on this earth. For me, he was a boss, and at times, a father figure. He had a way of making an entire room stop and pay attention to what he had to say. My prayers go out to his family at this time. Sincerely, Pink

  • Swansea
  • Illinois
Karen Behrens said : Guest Report Sep 20, 2019 at 4:21 PM

Bobby was the kindest, funniest man that has ever lived. He would do anything for anyone expecting nothing in return. I lost a great friend and my husband Bruce lost his best friend. We love you Bobby and wish you eternal peace. May God be with you, your family and extended family.

  • O'Fallon
  • IL
Stephen Smith said : Guest Report Sep 20, 2019 at 3:17 PM

I was a bartender at Bobby's good time country. A lot of fond memories. I also met my wife there. Bobby was a great friend. I will miss him. R I P Bobby

  • Belleville
  • Ill
Jeff and Angie Berry said : Guest Report Sep 20, 2019 at 2:35 PM

RIP Bobby we will miss you many great memories in all your establishments, Rhonda our hearts are with you and the rest of the family. We are on vacation, when we heard the awful news and won’t be home in time for the service but our hearts are with y’all

  • Swansea
  • Ill
Novell Simmons said : Guest Report Sep 20, 2019 at 2:11 PM

So sad Bobby you will be miss by so many sending prayers to the family R.I.P. my friend .

  • East Carondelet
  • Illinois
Christie Massey said : Guest Report Sep 20, 2019 at 1:09 PM

Bobby was a great guy. I have been going to Schatzes since 2001 and have known Bobby since then. He was always friendly to all of his customers and we will never forget him. Its a big shock that he wont be around anymore. Rest in Peace Bobby!!!

  • Carbondale
  • Illinois
Fred Hensler said : Guest Report Sep 20, 2019 at 12:14 PM

Bobby was a Great man. He got things done. Bobby's Children and the Families Prayers for you.. RIP Bobby Menard!!

  • O'fallon
  • IL
Mark Kern said : Guest Report Sep 20, 2019 at 10:51 AM

Thanks for all the memories. From Bobby's to Schatze's, you gave my generation a welcoming home to meet with our friends. RIP Bobby.

  • Swansea
  • IL
Herb Simmons said : Guest Report Sep 20, 2019 at 4:33 AM

R.I.P my friend. It was a pleasure knowing you for all these years.

  • East Carondelet
  • Illinois
DeWayne Kimbrell said : Guest Report Sep 20, 2019 at 4:13 AM

Known Bobby my whole life. Will be missed. God bless him. I know he is in heaven with family friends and my grandma my mom and uncles and aunts and many others. Including heavenly father. And is no longer in pain. Smiling and laughing and has got everyone there happy to see him. And no doubt in God's hands.

  • Troy
  • Illinois
Janet tourville said : Guest Report Sep 20, 2019 at 4:02 AM

I am So sorry for your loss he was a great man and will be deeply missed

  • Belleville
  • Illinois
Mary Jean Doll said : Guest Report Sep 20, 2019 at 3:21 AM

Rhonda, I’m really sorry for your lose. My thoughts are with you and your family.

  • Belleville
  • Illinois
Gwen Boggan said : Guest Report Sep 20, 2019 at 3:19 AM

My condolences to Bobby's family and to Rhonda and her family and to all of Bobby's extended family via his businesses. Bobby was a kind man who always treated me nicely and always had time to say Hello when I came home for a visit to Belleville. He will be missed.

  • Las Cruces
  • New Mexico
Joy Mullins said : Guest Report Sep 20, 2019 at 2:36 AM

My deepest sympathy to Jerri, Brad and Angie and Bobby jr. I have so many fond memories from the time that we lived in Freeburg all the way up to schatzes . Bobby was a very kind man and a friend to everyone he will be deeply missed

  • Palm Coast
  • Florida
Mark Salanik said : Guest Report Sep 20, 2019 at 2:34 AM

I played in Bobby's band, the Cowboys, for a couple of years back in the early 1980s. It was great. The club was always packed and we had some very good times. Bobby was a good man. May he rest in Peace.

  • Granite City
  • Illinois
Steve Skelton said : Guest Report Sep 20, 2019 at 1:53 AM

So sorry for your loss. Bobby will be deeply missed by everyone, family, friends and customers.

  • Belleville
  • Illinois
Karen Tindall-Banta said : Guest Report Sep 20, 2019 at 1:33 AM

I have known Bobby and his whole family all my life. He was one of my “brothers” I used to cash in soda bottles for candy at Bob’s Confectionary. He could make a Steele guitar sing! It was always a treat to hear him and Larry Campbell on the drums. Sending prayers of peace and comfort for all of you. Love and hugs from the Tindall’s.

  • Mount Juliet
  • TN
John Crocken said : Guest Report Sep 20, 2019 at 1:18 AM

Bobby was a good man he was will ? like so I have kmown him over 30 years RIP

  • O 'Fallon
  • Mo
Dwayne White said : Guest Report Sep 20, 2019 at 1:08 AM

Bobby you will be missed. You treated everyone with respect and I will always remember the good times at your bar. Rest In Peace my friend.

  • Mascoutah
  • Illinois
Rick Reckamp said : Guest Report Sep 20, 2019 at 12:49 AM

Oh! Where has the King of Country gone? There will nevet be another BOBBY'S dance club nor another Bobby Menard. He played a mean steel gitar and could sing with the best of them. Wherever you are Bobby we will be along bye and bye singing and two stepping together under the light of a Neon Moon.

  • O'Fallon, IL
  • IL
Amy Bouvet said : Guest Report Sep 20, 2019 at 12:35 AM

My sympathy to his family. Bobby was a true gentleman. He brightened everyone’s day!

  • Freeburg
  • Il
Amanda (Mandy) Huffman said : Guest Report Sep 20, 2019 at 12:19 AM

I'm truly sorry for your families loss he was a great friend and person...he always knew how to cheer me up. I'm so going to miss him he's sure an Angel ? now.. Take care

  • Freeburg
  • IL
Helen (Eck) and Don Vickers said : Guest Report Sep 20, 2019 at 12:12 AM

May the Lord Bless and Keep you all in this time of sorrow. Bobby was a great guy and he will be missed.

  • Sainte Genevieve
  • Missouri
Michael Breid, a.k.a. Arkansas Red said : Guest Report Sep 19, 2019 at 11:52 PM

This is really a blow to me. Not only because I'm losing one of the best friends I've ever had, but he passed on my birthday. We used to kid each other about being Virgos. Bobby, may you liven up the Heavenly band. I'll miss you buddy.. Especially every time I hear a pedal steel guitar. Sincerest condolences to the Menard family.

  • Eureka Springs
  • Arkansas
Jaime Ponder said : Guest Report Sep 19, 2019 at 9:46 PM

I'm so sorry to here of Bob's passing. He was a good guy and an old friend from way back. Condolences to his family.

  • Columbia
  • Tennessee
Carol Jacobi said : Guest Report Sep 19, 2019 at 8:28 PM

We are so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. May the memories of special moments with Bobby bring you comfort you. Wayne and Carol Jacobi.

  • Fenton
  • MO

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