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ROBERT R. DOUBET

Robert Richard Doubet, 82, of Kirksville, Missouri, died Saturday, October 30, 2010, at his home.


The son of Harry and Catherine (Bailliez) Dubet, he was born November 24, 1927 in Peoria, Illinois. Bob was raised among a large, extended family in central Illinois in what was then called, ‘Doubet Land’ where his ancestors were among the ‘best and most prosperous farmers’ in Limestone Township.


Bob grew up on the farm and in his own words, “loved every minute of it”. After graduating from Farmington High School in 1945, he enlisted into the United States Army in 1946, serving in the Philippines with the 738th Military Police Battalion, honorably discharged as a Sergeant in 1947. During his tour of duty, Bob took his Battalion to the Championship in the Southwest Asian Division in Japan, with his famous ‘floater’ pitch.


Bob shared his love of sports with the youth in his Illinois community, organizing and promoting youth softball teams. Bob continued to participate actively in community affairs, serving tenures as president of the Knox County School Board and the Baring Country Club. He was also a generous supporter of local 4-H Clubs and other community organizations.


In 1948, Bob and Jean Murphy were married in Hanna City, IL, and to this union were born two daughters and a son. Bob worked for Caterpillar Tractor Company for fifteen years, earning a 4-year apprenticeship as a machinist, while farming part-time. In 1961, Bob achieved his life time dream of farming full time, when he moved his family to Missouri. In 1975, Bob ‘shifted gears’ and went into business as owner/operator of the Baring Oil Company and Baring Service Station. In 1988, he also started the local café, ‘Doubie’s’, which continues today under new ownership.


In 1983, Bob married Emma Roberts Partin and moved to Kirksville, Missouri. He later ‘semi-retired’ working happy years with O’Reilly’s Auto Parts in Kirksville.


He was a devoted patriot who continued his patronage of the principles by which he lived through generous contributions to the Republican Party. He also was a life-long member of the National Rifle Association and the National Farm Bureau.


Robert Doubet was very close to nature in everything he did. Whether on his tractor plowing the fields or around his home, tending the many bright patches of wild flowers, or being with family and friends, Bob always loved life, living with zest and enthusiasm.


Robert is survived by his beloved wife, Emma, children, Debbi Doubet Allred (Howard) of Centerville, UT, Vicki Doubet Simmons (Mark) of St. Louis, MO and Rick Robert Doubet of Columbia, MO, grandchildren, Drew Allred (Cassie), Mallory Simmons Delgado (Lou), Elizabeth Allred Cerar (Ravi) and Malaki Doubet, step-children, Belinda Middleton of Belton, MO, David Partin (Cynthia) of San Diego, CA, step grandchildren, Angie Dunn and Amy Middleton, and step great-grandchildren, Courtney, Tristan, Abigail and Madelyn Dunn. He is also survived by two sisters, Monica Schuster and Barbara Hadley both of Peoria, IL.


It was Bob’s wish that his body be donated to Medical Science.


A memorial service will be held 2:00 p.m. Saturday, November 6, 2010, at Travis-Noe Funeral Home in Kirksville, with Chaplain Carol Davenport officiating.


Family will receive friends Saturday, one hour before the memorial service.


Expressions of sympathy in memory of Bob Doubet may be made to Greensburg Cemetery or to Hospice of Northeast Missouri. Memorials may be left at or mailed to Travis-Noe Funeral Home, P.O. Box 306, Kirksville, MO 63501.