Robert "Bob" Lee Courtoise, 84, of West Frankfort, passed away at 4:15 p.m., on Sunday, December 15, 2024, at Herrin Hospital, Herrin IL, surrounded by his family.

He was born on January 30, 1940, to Willis and Mary (Rulo) Courtoise in Richwoods, MO. On November 4, 1976, he married Darlene Goetz.  Bob was a self-employed contractor and owner of All States Sealing Inc.

Bob was a loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He loved auto racing, antique cars and motorcycles. He also liked fishing, squirrel and rabbit hunting. He was a huge country music fan.  After receiving his pilots license he purchased his first plane and enjoyed many years flying.  Bob never met a stranger and had a great sense of humor pulling pranks.

He is survived by his loving spouse of 48 years, Darlene, his daughter, Nichole Annette Courtoise-Cole and husband, Daniel; three sons, Derrick Lee Courtoise and wife Amy, Robert Darren Courtoise and wife Rebecca, DeWayne Allen Courtoise; two brothers, Warren Courtoise and Stephen Courtoise; two sisters, Myrtle Broeker and Jenal Tucker and husband, Charles; eight grandchildren, Tyler, Kimeco, Alexis, Joshua, Samantha Jo, Bethany, Tessa and Zack; twelve great-grandchildren, Kaelen, Soljah, Marlee, Noah, Lincoln, Delilah, Josephine, Silas, Aleigha, Paige and Aubrie.

He was preceded in death by his parents Willis Felix and Mary Louise Courtoise; three brothers, Leroy James Courtoise, Willis Felix Courtoise, Jr. and Larry Courtoise; infant sister, Sharlene Marie Courtoise and great-grandson, Nikolai.

Services have been entrusted to Pate Funeral Home, 301 South Main Street, Benton, IL.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, December 21, 2024, from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Pate Funeral Home, Benton, IL.

Funeral services will follow the visitation at 2:00 p.m., at the Funeral Home, with Pastor Chris Hammonds, officiating.

Following the funeral service, burial will take place in the Masonic and Oddfellows Cemetery in Benton, IL.

Memorials may be made to Alzheimer's Association and will be accepted at the funeral home.

Online condolences can be given at www.patefh.com.