Obituary
Robert Alan Dees, aged 80, passed away on May 3, 2024, in Vero Beach, Florida. Born in Cleveland, Ohio, to the late Arthur and Rose Marie Sudman Dees, he was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather.
Bob's early years were marked by a sense of duty and service. He pursued his higher education, earning an Associate of Science in Criminal Justice from Indian River Community College and a Bachelor of Arts in Professional Studies from Barry University.
Bob enlisted in the United States Army. During his service, he attended the US Military Police Academy and distinguished himself as a criminal investigator. Bob's commitment to justice continued after his military tenure, as he graduated from the Florida Highway
Patrol Academy and served as a homicide investigator for the Florida Highway Patrol for
nearly twenty years.
Beyond his distinguished career in law enforcement, Bob dedicated his life to serving his community in various roles. He utilized his expertise as the director of transportation for the Martin County School Board and later contributed to the Adult and Aging
department of the State of Florida Health and Human Services, advocating for and protecting the aging population. Prior to his retirement, he obtained his Community Association Management License and worked in property and community management,
leaving a positive impact on numerous local neighborhoods.
Family was paramount to Bob, and he cherished his role as a husband, father, and grandfather above all else. Alongside his wife of over 30 years, Diane Dees, he nurtured a loving family comprising five children, 17 grandchildren, and 6 great-grandchildren.
Bob's zest for life and his unwavering commitment to his family served as guiding principles throughout his life.
In addition to his family and community contributions, Bob was an active member of several community organizations. He was a member of the First Baptist Church of Vero Beach, where he served in various capacities, including Chairman of Stewardship,
Trustee, and Deacon. He was a Master Mason at Acacia Lodge #163 Free & Accepted Masons in Stuart, FL. Bob also served as Past President of the Civitan International Club of Stuart. He was an Adjunct Faculty member at Indian River Community College (State)
and a past member of both the Kiwanis Club of Stuart and Vero Beach.
Bob is survived by his loving wife, Iris Diane Dees; children, Dawn Weltzbarker and her husband Woody of Middleburg, FL, Jennifer Dees of Stuart, FL, Cristen Maddux and her husband Britton of Vero Beach, FL, Joseph Sullivan of Red Boiling Springs, TN, and
Robert Dees and his wife Eileen of Stuart, FL. He is also survived by his siblings, David Dees and his wife Betty Jean of Port St. Lucie, FL, Bonnie James and her husband Steve, John Dees and Mitchell Dees all of Daytona Beach, FL
Bob was preceded in death by his parents, Arthur and Rose Marie Sudman Dees.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, May 18, 2024, at the First Baptist Church of Vero Beach at 11:00 AM with the Reverend Dr. Joe LaGuardia and Reverend Jim Newsome, officiating. The family will greet friends one hour prior to the service at the
church. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude (www.stjude.org/donate) or to the First Baptist Church ATTN: Missions, 2206 16th Ave. Vero Beach, FL 32960 (please note in memory of Bob Dees).
Bob's legacy of service, love, and dedication to his family and community will forever be cherished and remembered by all who knew him.