Submitted by: Dan Rich

Robert DeBaets

Jan. 30, 1927 - June 6, 2002

South Bend Tribune 6/9/2002

Robert "Ray" DeBaets, 75, of New London Court, South Bend, Ind., formerly of Lydick, Ind., died following a lengthy battle with cancer at 9:17 p.m. Thursday, June 6, in his residence. Mr. DeBaets was born Jan. 30, 1927, in Mishawaka, Ind., to the late Maurice and Zulma (Meert) DeBaets, and was a lifetime area resident.

On May 8, 1948, in South Bend, he married Joan A. Milliken, who survives. He is also survived by two daughters, Debbie (Jeff) Remble of Granger, Ind., and Connie (Randy) Varga of South Bend; one son, Tom (Annie) DeBaets of South Bend; six grandchildren, Adam, Aaron and A.J. Remble, and Shayne, Mandy and Ryan Varga; and by a sister, Janet (Phil) Lux of Elkhart, Ind.

Ray retired in 1988 as a purchasing agent in the automotive division of the Bendix Corporation after 33 years service. He was a U.S. Army veteran of World War II. He was a member of Lydick United Methodist Church, Bendix Senior Retired Management Club, AARP, and New Carlisle American Legion Post #297.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Monday in the Welsheimer Funeral Home, 521 N. William Street, with Rev. Kevin Buckley of Lydick United Methodist Church officiating. Military graveside services and burial will follow at Mt. Pleasant Cemetery, South Bend. Friends may call from 2 to 6 p.m. today in the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to Lydick United Methodist Church, 26510 Edison Road, South Bend, IN 46628; or to Hospice of St. Joseph County, 111 Sunnybrook Court, South Bend, IN 46637.