Bobby Gene Lacefield, of Wheaton, IL, known to his loved ones as “Grandad,” passed away peacefully on July 27, 2023, at the age of 84. He was born on September 6, 1938, in Muhlenberg County, Kentucky.

Bobby was a remarkable individual who had a genuine love for people. He cherished his family and friends, and his warm and sincere nature endeared him to everyone he met. Whether it was his customers at the gas station and store, his neighbors, or fellow classic car enthusiasts, Bobby treated everyone with kindness and sincerity.

As a devoted family man, Bobby took great pride in the successes of his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He instilled in them the values of caring for others, holding high expectations, and not holding grudges. Bobby was always quick to boast that his loved ones inherited their good looks and intelligence from their Grandad.

In his free time, Bobby enjoyed playing card games, going on road trips, fishing, and telling stories. He had a passion for classic cars and owned a shiny red 1963 Buick Skylark convertible. Bobby also had a talent for woodworking and crafted beautiful cedar hope chests, wine racks, and trivets for his family. He loved to travel and had fond memories of trips to various destinations, including a memorable road trip through the Mid-Atlantic with his daughter Cheryl, and an adventure “out west” with his late wife Jean, brother-in-law Tom and sister-in-law Linda.

Bobby dedicated 30 years of his career to Martin Oil gas stations, where he worked as an attendant, supervisor, and owner. After retiring from gas stations in La Paz, Indiana, Bobby and his late wife Alice purchased A & B Groceries, a small grocery store in Plymouth, IN, where the business thrived due in part to his ability to make friends with everybody.

He is survived by his loving daughter, Cathy Stachurski of Argos, IN; daughter and son-in-law, Cheryl and Patrick Hinchey of Wheaton, IL; son and daughter-in-law, John and Shirley Lacefield of Muncie, IN; daughter-in-law, Felacia Lacefield of Plymouth, IN; stepchildren: Michael Strader; Jeff and Angie Strader; and, Janice and Dean Smith, all of Hopkinsville, KY; as well as numerous grandchildren; great grandchildren; step-grandchildren; great-grandchildren; nieces; and nephews.

Bobby was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Alice (Hunt) Lacefield; and his second wife, Wilma Jean (Strader) Lacefield; as well as his sons: Bobby Jewell Lacefield; and Kevin Ray Lacefield. He was also preceded in death by his mother, Macy (Drake) Lacefield; father, John Gillespie Lacefield; two sisters; and eight brothers.

Friends and family are invited to attend a Wake and Celebration of Life on Thursday, August 17, 2023, from 3:00-7:00 p.m. at Deaton-Clemens Van Gilder Funeral Home (300 W. Madison Street, Plymouth, IN 46563). The funeral service will take place on Friday, August 18, 2023, beginning at 10:00 a.m. at Deaton-Clemens Van Gilder Funeral Home (300 W. Madison Street, Plymouth, IN 46563), followed immediately by a final graveside farewell at New Oak Hill Cemetery (Plymouth, IN).

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Bobby Lacefield’s honor. Contributions can be made online at their memorial donation site: https://www.stjude.org/donate/donate-to-st-jude.html. 

Bobby Gene Lacefield will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him. His love, kindness, and infectious spirit will forever live on in the hearts of his family and friends.

Thank you to all our friends and community for your support during this difficult time.

Deaton-Clemens Van Gilder Funeral Home is honored to be providing services in celebrating the life of Bobby and wishes to extend our deepest condolences to the family.

Friends are invited to sign the online guest book and share memories with the family at: www.deatonclemensfh.com.