Oct. 15, 1933 — Dec. 17, 2017

Robert William Sallee Sr., 84, of Niles, died peacefully at 9:40 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 17, 2017, at home with his family gathered around him.

He was born on Oct. 15, 1933, in Roselawn, Indiana to John Henry and Neva Grace (Illif) Sallee. He was employed for several years at Slatile Roofing Company in South Bend, Indiana, and has lived in Niles since 1957.

Bill enjoyed fishing on the Saint Joseph River, and caring for his family. They remember him as a “jack of all trades and master of none,” who touched many lives in his time, and all who encountered him loved him.

“It was a sudden parting; too bitter to forget. Those who really loved you are the ones that won’t forget.”

On Oct. 15, 1956, in Chicago, he married the former Iris May Magliano, with whom he celebrated the 36th anniversary of their wedding prior to her death on April 3, 1993. He was also preceded in death by a son, David Sallee on Nov. 20, 2016; and by his brothers, Eugene Sallee, Taylor “Babe” Sallee, and Richard “Dick” VanSandt.

Surviving family includes his children, Robert William “Bob” Sallee, Jr. of Oklahoma, John Henry (Debbie) Sallee of South Bend, and Laurie Mueller, Thomas (Debbie Kist) Sallee, Kenny Sallee, Tracy (Debbie) Sallee, and Gene Sallee, all of Niles; fifteen grandchildren and 31 great-grandchildren; and Bill’s siblings, Jack Sallee of Fort Wayne, Indiana, and Cecil Sallee, Vernon VanSandt, Rex VanSandt, and James Snyder, all of Niles; and many nieces and nephews.

The funeral service for Robert Sallee Sr. will be at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 21, 2017, at the Halbritter-Wickens Funeral Home in Niles with Mr. Willie Moffitt of Niles officiating. The family will receive relatives and friends beginning at 5 p.m. on Thursday. Online condolences may be left at:halbritterwickens.com.