ForeverMissed
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Bob went to be with the Lord after a long beautiful life at the age of 90. He joined family who preceded him, his parents, Nellie and Fredrick DePew, brother, Jerry DePew, and niece, Susan DePew Barr. In the past 2 weeks his family surrounded him with love and enjoyed his sweet presence one last time and all the marvelous memories over their lives. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather (fondly known as Paka). Bob is survived by his wife, Janet Pintar DePew & enjoyed enjoyed 67 years married. He is also survived by daughter, Roxane DePew Brown with husband, Spencer, their granddaughter,Tamina Brown Crook, her husband, Ben, and great-grandchildren, Gavin & Maddox, granddaughter, Keersten Brown Friedrichsen, husband, Adam, and great-granddaughter, Mila, son, Robert DePew Jr, his wife Jayne, granddaughter, Kristen DePew Oxler, husband, Lance, & great-grandchildren, James, Grant, & Caroline,, grandson, Bobby, son, Rick DePew, grandson, Raymond DePew wit his wife, Rachel, and son, Ron DePew with wife Sarah.and his great- grandchildren, Gavin, Maddox, Mila, James, Grant, and Caroline, son, Rick DePew, grandson, Raymond DePew with wife Rachel, and son, Ron DePew with wife Sarah.  He is known well to family and friends as a good, kind, sweet man, a respectful family man, and role model. He is well loved & will be sincerely missed by all.

We are proud that Bob served in the US Army in Germany at the end of World War II. He followed this by going on to obtain a bachelors at Richmond Professional Institute College of William & Mary University and masters in psychology from Ohio University of Athens OH.

Bob was a dedicated psychologist who strived to help individuals resolve and overcome adversity and hardship to enjoy a quality life. He was a psychologist/director at Boys Industrial School, Bowling Brook Home for Boys, Gettysburg College, and Fort Wayne Children’s Home. He transformed the children's home in Fort Wayne to a treatment center, Crossroads Child & Family Services before he retired in 1994. Moving to Florida in 1996  he served as volunteer on Clearwater FL Beach Patrol for 10 years. 

He enjoyed golfing, concert, beach time, crossword puzzles, jigsaw puzzles, and family time. He shared his artistic talent by creating paintings of his four children when they were young and creating a variety of wood carvings the whole family continues to enjoy. He continued in these endeavors until arthritis prevented in the last few years.

A memorial service will occur in Fort Wayne, IN at a date to be determined at a later time. In lieu of flowers the family request donations in memory of Robert H. DePew Sr. to the American Cancer Society Crossroads Child & Family Services https://www.crossroad-fwch.org/donate/ 



January 24, 2021
January 24, 2021
When I think of the most kind, honest, and modest people I’ve ever known, there are three people who are easily at the top of the list: Uncle Bob, my father (Jerry DePew) and their mother (Nellie). It had to be a combination of their genes and the way they were raised. All such beautiful, thoughtful people who would do anything for you and are solely missed. The world certainly needs more people like them. We miss you Uncle Bob and hopefully you and Dad aren’t getting into too much mischief!

Love, John
January 23, 2021
January 23, 2021
So miss you Dad. Two years. Spent the day with Mom making pasties, one of your favorite foods! Fond memories making and eating them together so many times. ❤️❤️
January 23, 2020
January 23, 2020
Miss you Dad. Hard to believe you have been gone a year. I think of you sweetness, love, and kindness each day. I thank God you were such a wonderful father.
February 18, 2019
February 18, 2019
Every memory I have of my Uncle Bob DePew is a fond one. I remember his gentle yet strong nature along with his thoughtful, purposeful and helpful speech. He was truly a 'gentle giant' of a wonderfully humble man. Janet and Bob DePew were married for a decade before I was born. There's was a wonderful home to visit and to play with our cousins. Everything I remember from visiting their home was always peaceful, decent and in order. Thankfully, Bob's family was able to enjoy his wit, wisdom and kind nature in the final stage of his earthly life. Bob confessed Jesus as his Lord and Savior. Therefore his soul is in heaven where he will eternally be free of pain and all earthly limitations. Thank you uncle Bob, for the way you lived your life and for the example you were to all who knew you.
February 6, 2019
February 6, 2019
Wonderful man, friend, and mentor. Bob was a consummate professional. He was a critical leader in Crossroad's transition from children's home to treatment facility, committed to providing services to the most troubled kids. Great memories of racquetball games and dancing at Bombay Bicycle Club with Jan and Bob; special thanks to Rick and Ron who graciously babysat Jeremy during these outings.  Special memories, too, of the annual Christmas gatherings for all of clinical and professional services with Smithfield ham, Bob's yeast rolls and homemade chocolates. Our thoughts and sympathies to Jan, Roxie, Bobby, Rick, Ron and your families. Bob was a special man. So sorry for your loss. ❤️ John and Carma
February 3, 2019
February 3, 2019
One of the best decisions ever at Ft Wayne Children's Home was to invite Bob Depew to elevate the nature and character of the treatment services of the agency which he did so competently and with marvelous grace. Prayers of gratitude for his own special "ministry " and for the warm and comforting embrace of God's love for his family in this special time. Shalom
February 3, 2019
February 3, 2019
All the way back in December 1981, I met Bob for the first time, and he saw potential. These many years later, as my own career in mental health winds down, I am still thankful he took a chance with me as a therapist. He taught me so much about client advocacy, tenacity in the face of professional adversity, and what it means to be a pro. The world is a little smaller, and not quite as full with his passing. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.
February 3, 2019
February 3, 2019
Crossroad Child & Family Services (formerly Fort Wayne Children's Home) mourns Bob's passing and extends condolences to his family. Bob was an integral leader in transitioning Crossroad into a treatment agency for the most challenging youth. He will be remembered as a compassionate mentor and leader. His legacy carries on.
February 3, 2019
February 3, 2019
Bob will foverever have a special place in my heart as a mentor and friend. He played such an important role in my life during our years at Crossroad and beyond. He was a kind and loving soul and touched countless lives throughout the years. Loving thoughts and prayers to the family.
February 1, 2019
February 1, 2019
The family and the world has lost a precious man. He truly was a kind and sweet person. May the family find comfort in the many memories of their time with Bob. Praying for all of you.
January 31, 2019
January 31, 2019
Uncle Bob was one of the kindest, most likeable people I've ever known. I always enjoyed being around him and I especially enjoyed hearing stories about the mischievous DePew boys. Of course his stories were always told in his humble and unassuming way. My prayers and sympathy go out to Jan, Roxanne, Bobby, Ron, Rick and our entire family and to everyone who had the good fortune of knowing Uncle Bob.
January 29, 2019
January 29, 2019
Bob was a kind and gentle soul. He will dearly be missed. Praying for the family.
January 28, 2019
January 28, 2019
I miss my dear Dad so much! I couldn't have asked for a better Dad on this earth.

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January 24, 2021
January 24, 2021
When I think of the most kind, honest, and modest people I’ve ever known, there are three people who are easily at the top of the list: Uncle Bob, my father (Jerry DePew) and their mother (Nellie). It had to be a combination of their genes and the way they were raised. All such beautiful, thoughtful people who would do anything for you and are solely missed. The world certainly needs more people like them. We miss you Uncle Bob and hopefully you and Dad aren’t getting into too much mischief!

Love, John
January 23, 2021
January 23, 2021
So miss you Dad. Two years. Spent the day with Mom making pasties, one of your favorite foods! Fond memories making and eating them together so many times. ❤️❤️
January 23, 2020
January 23, 2020
Miss you Dad. Hard to believe you have been gone a year. I think of you sweetness, love, and kindness each day. I thank God you were such a wonderful father.
Recent stories

Always Daddy's Little Girl

January 31, 2019

I have so many wonderful memories of Dad. Spontaneous dancing with my Dad and the best watching him dance with my Mom. I can tell you the times I danced with him my toes barely touched the floor. From all this I have a great love for dancing for fun to this day alone, with my husband, Spence and formal ballet, jazz, and tap dancing into my 20's.

Dad is also one of the kindest person I have ever know. It was reflected in his love for my Mom, as a parent raising us four kids, and in his work as a psychologist. It has influenced me in making a similar career choice of counselor and how I live among family, friends, and strangers.


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