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Robert H. Deegan was born in New York in 1925. In Rye his family lived at Blind Brook Lodge. Robert served as an officer in the U.S. Navy during World War II.
Robert H. Bob Deegan was born on July 6, 1925, in New York City. He served for 2 1/2 years in the U. S. Navy during World War II and became a very proud graduate of The University of Notre Dame in 1948
Robert H. (Bob) Deegan passed away on July 11, 2007, at home surrounded by his loving family.
He was born on July 6, 1925, in New York City. He served for 2 1/2 years in the U.S. Navy during World War II and became a very proud graduate of The University of Notre Dame in 1948. He celebrated his Irish heritage throughout his life. After working in New York in the fruit and produce industry, he moved to Abilene in 1951 to join the insurance industry. He continued working at CBS Insurance until his death.
Bob's greatest joy was his family. Spending time together coaching them in baseball and football, taking trips to the beach, and cooking his ''famous burgers'' were some of his happiest times. He was most proud of the successes of his children and grandchildren.
Bob was proud to call Abilene home and was involved in many civic activities. He was President of the Abilene Jaycees from 1955-1956 and was a member from 1952-1960. He continued until his death as Chairman of the Jaycee's Foundation Bench Advertising Program that benefits Safety City. He had been a member of the Abilene Rotary Club since 1959 and a board member for Ben Richey Boys Ranch since 1988.
He served on the Board of Directors for United Way, Abilene Boy's Club, March of Dimes, West Texas Rehabilitation Center, Abilene Community Theater and Abilene Chamber of Commerce.
Bob was honored with many awards in his life. He was named Outstanding Young Man of the Year in 1955 and Outstanding Citizen of the Year in 1983. He was awarded the Paul Harris Fellow Award given by the Rotary Club in 1981. Bob served for 14 years as Chairman of the Public Housing Authority, receiving a Certificate of Appreciation from the City of Abilene in 1985. He was honored by the Authority when they named Robert Deegan Place for him in 1987. Bob was a member of the Ancient Order of Hibernians and was named Irishman of the Year in 1991.
One of Bob's proudest associations was with Dyess Air Force Base. For 23 years he was Chairman of the Dyess Air Force Base Annual Barbeque, deemed ''The World's Largest Barbeque''. He was named Honorary Chief Master Sergeant in 1993, and Honorary Commander, 96th FMS, Dyess Air Force Base from 1983-1991. He was also awarded the Distinguished Citizen Certificate by Military Airlift Command, U.S. Air Force in 1984. He was given the Air Command Outstanding Community Leader Award in 1987.
While he was a member of the Chamber of Commerce, he served on the Executive Committee of Military Affairs.
Bob is survived by his wife, Beth Deegan; his brother, John F. Deegan of Milwaukee, Wisconsin; his children, Susan Parker and her husband, Terry, Bobby Deegan and his wife, Cindy, Nancy Deegan-Morton, Jean Deegan, Cindy Segler and husband, Lloyd, and Michael Donahue. ''Big Bob's'' grandchildren are Jennifer Deegan and Zach Richards, Robert H. Deegan, III, John Michael Deegan, Gracie Deegan, Kimberly Deegan-Morton, Alex Segler, Matthew Segler, Michelle Donahue, Sean Donahue, Grant Donahue, and many nieces, most notably Susan Wheeler, nephews, and wonderful friends, all of whom made his Irish eyes smile.
Funeral services will be held at First Christian Church-Disciples of Christ, 1420 N. 3rd St. on Saturday, July 14, 2007 at 10:00 a.m. with Dr. Tom Lyda officiating. Interment will be in Elmwood Memorial Park directed by Elliott-Hamil Funeral Home, 542 Hickory.
Pallbearers will be Bill Snowden, Chris Diebel, Morris Baker, Fred Lee Hughes, Bill Senter, John Saringer, and Jack Luther. Honorary pallbearers will be Bob's good friends from the Morning Coffee Club.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Robert H. Deegan Memorial Fund - The University of Notre Dame, 1100 Grace Hall, Notre Dame, Indiana 46556-5612, or to Hospice of the Big Country, 4601 Hartford, Abilene, TX 79605.
As Bob himself would say, ''Go Irish!''
Obituary from Abilene Reporter News
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