"We, the officers and membership of Marine Corps League Detachment 081, would like to express our sincere condolences on the passing of our brother in arms. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this most difficult time. Semper Fidelis!!"
In loving memory of
Robert "Slick" DeRenzy
January 2, 1930 - July 14, 2022
Robert "Slick" DeRenzy, age 92, retired Fire Chief of Canton died on Thursday, July 14, 2022, 12:39 am, at the OSF Richard L. Owens Hospice Home in Peoria, IL. He was born on January 2, 1930, in Bushnell, IL, son of Laurin and Opal (Cowman) DeRenzy. He married Melba Jean Mahr on December 3, 1950. She preceded him in death on April 16, 2020.
Surviving are two sons Daniel (Jean Rose) DeRenzy of Canton, Donald (Sember Rude) DeRenzy of Canton, two grandsons Drew (LaKendra Wilson) DeRenzy of Canton, Tyler DeRenzy of Canton, and three great grandchildren, Charlee DeRenzy, Memphis Sue Wilson and Blaize Allen Wilson all of Canton. Also surviving is one brother Kenneth (Nancy) DeRenzy of Macomb and one sister Linda Sue Havens of Marietta. Preceding him in death are his parents, five sisters, and six brothers.
Slick began his career at the Canton Fire Department as firefighter in 1962. He was promoted to Assistant Fire Chief in1973, Fire Chief 1982, and retired as Fire Chief July 28, 1995. He and his wife owned and operated Bob's Towing Service in Canton from August 1954 until October 1992.
Slick was a member of the First Baptist Church in Canton, was on the board of Ministries, and volunteered with the Food Pantry. Slick was a sergeant in the Marine Corps and served in the Korean war. He was a 50 year member of Veterans of Foreign War Post 1984 and a 50 year member of the American Legion Post #16. He was a lifetime member of the Masonic Lodge #734 and a member of Canton Moose Lodge #784. He was chairman of Salvation Army Advisory Board for 14 years, and Secretary of the Illinois Towing Association. Slick served on the Friendship Festival board and was president two consecutive terms. He was a former member and secretary of the Illinois Fire Chief Association and was past president and secretary of River Valley Fire Fighters Association which he helped organize. Slick was instrumental in Canton Fire Department receiving its first rescue truck and held fundraisers to purchase the "Jaw of Life". He then conducted extrication classes and taught rescue personnel how to use the equipment.
He received Citizen of the month award from Kiwanis Club in 1984, boss of the month and boss of the year in 1984, Friendship Festival parade Marshall in 1990, Citizen of the year in 1991, Jaycees Distinguished Service Award in 1992, and was recognized by the Modern Woodsman of America # 295 for his accomplishments and volunteer work in 2000.
Oaks-Hines Funeral Home and Crematory are in charge of services. Visitation will be from 4-8 pm on Monday, July 18, 2022 at the funeral home. Fire Services walk through at 7pm and Masonic Rites at 7:45 pm. Funeral services will be Tuesday, 10 am, July 19, 2022 with visitation one hour prior also at the funeral home. Burial to follow at Greenwood Cemetery Canton IL. with military honors.
Family requests in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the OSF Richard L. Owens Hospice center Peoria, IL or First Baptist Church Food Pantry, a community service which he actively supported for many years.
Tributes
"R.I.P. Chief ,you did a lot for me and I will always be grateful"
"Our family has a lot of great memories of Slick. He will be missed. He was such a great guy and good to our family. God Bless. "
"Bob was a great man spent alot of time at the firehouse when we first started Fulton County Ambulance. Bob was so supportive of us."
"Where does one begin, I cannot recall the countless days, evenings and nights waiting at a crash scene for Slick to arrive for a tow. In the heat, rain, cold, snow, Slick would arrive step out of the tow truck wearing his grin and shake my hand. The countless conversations over my career and at church will be missed. Go rest high my friend. "
"Don and family, I am so very sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you all."
"He was such a great MAN and friend!! Took such good care of Jeannie when she was ill. Not many of them left around like him!!! He will be missed"
"So sorry for the loss of someone so dear to you, Grief can be so hard but wonderful memories can bring you comfort until the words at Acts 24:15 are fulfilled. "
"RIP Chief God bless the DeRenzy family. Uou are home now"
"Was instamental in me becoming a firefighter back in the 90?s and was a great friend and mentor will sadly be missed fly hi my friend"
"My love and prayers to my family. Such accomplishments my uncle! I love and respect you. Rest in peace Sandy Morrison "
"So long Slick, no more fires to fight. Rest in peace. My deepest condolences to his family and friends."
"So long Slick, no more fires to fight. Rest in peace. My deepest condolences to his family and friends."