Robert E Mewes

Robert E. Mewes, 80, of East Moline, IL, died Tuesday, March 28, 2017, at home.

Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Friday, March 31, 2017, at Esterdahl Mortuary & Crematory, Ltd., 6601 38th Avenue, Moline, IL.  Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday, March 30, 2017, at the funeral home.  Cremation rites will be accorded following the services.  Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society.

Bob was born on August 27, 1936, in Quincy, IL, the son of Eugene and Dorothy Courtney Mewes.  He married Sandra Fox on July 10, 1982, in Orion, IL.  He retired from Farmall.

Bob played the drums with many bands since he was 13 years old.  In 1962, he played at the Yankee Clipper with Robyn and the Twisters, whom he later traveled to Hollywood with.  In 1971, he was offered a job with Roy Drusky and played at the Grand Old Opry at Ryman Auditorium.  Bob traveled overseas to Turkey, Holland, Germany, and London, playing at the London Palladium.  Bob went on to play with the Young Countrymen and the Sweetwater Band.

Bob was a good cook and loved camping, especially at Shady Lakes RV Resort.  He loved motorcycle riding and in 2010 rode to Yellowstone.

Survivors include his wife, Sandy Mewes; children, Jo Ellen (Randy), Viola, IL, and Lori, Davenport, IA; stepson, Darrin (Jen) Lawson, Wheatland, IA; 9 grandchildren; 17 great grandchildren; 2 great great grandchildren; brothers, Terry (Jill), Milan, IL, and Eugene, Moline, IL; several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Cynthia; sister, Bonnie; son, Randy.

Memories may be shared online by visiting esterdahl.com.