Robert Deneke

Robert E. "Bob" Deneke, 84, of Jackson died Monday, May 6, 2013, at his home, surrounded by family.

He was born March 28, 1929, in Cape Girardeau, to Elmer and Lillian Lufcy Deneke.

Bob was a graduate of Sikeston High School, where he was inducted into the Football Hall of Fame. He graduated from the University of Missouri-Columbia, where he played football and also played in the Gator Bowl in 1949.

He worked in management at Pontiac Motor Division for 27 years. He was a member of Grace United Methodist Church.

Survivors include his wife of 52 years, Merle Gossling Deneke of Jackson; children, Laura Deneke Green (Randall) of Boca Raton, Fla., Robert E. Deneke Jr. (Pam) of Cape Girardeau and Karel Deneke Arnett (John) of Nortonville, Ky.; eight grandchildren, Jason Green, Karl Green (Megan), Kohl, Zayne, Drew and Mackinsey Arnett, and Sydney and Cera Deneke; and three great-grandchildren, Aeva, Aidan and Patrick Green.

He was preceded in death by a sister, Betty Deneke Summers.

Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Friday at Ford and Sons Mount Auburn Funeral Home.

The funeral will be at 10 a.m. Saturday at the funeral home with Tom Sullenger officiating. Burial will be in Cape County Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, please make memorial contributions to Southeast Hospice or Grace United Methodist Church.

Online condolences may be shared at www.fordandsonsfuneralhome.com.