4800 E Indian School Rd
Phoenix, AZ 85018
DRESTE, ROBERT “BOB” LEWIS
Robert “Bob” Dreste was born January 12, 1936 in St. Louis to Lewis J. and Sybilla M. Dreste, and went to the Lord on September 6, 2018. He moved to Phoenix in 1954. He is survived by his lovely wife Betty of 60 years, sister Judy Greene, and brother-in-law Ed Salrin. He is also survived by daughters Bonnie York and Lisa Barnhart; five grandchildren Joey, Daniel and William York, and Katie and Mason Barnhart; nieces Deborah Barton, Karen Sobczak, and nephew Kenny Greene; sons-in-law Michael York and Chris Barnhart. He was preceded in death by his parents, his father- and mother-in-law, Joe and Edna Salrin, and his brother-in-law Ken Greene. Bob worked for Valley National Bank for 40 years, was active as a ham radio operator (K7VOR) and loved camping in their RV.
Visitation is scheduled for Thursday, September 13, 2018 at Whitney & Murphy Funeral Home, 4800 E. Indian School Road, Phoenix from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, September 14, 2018 at 10:00 am at St. Theresa Parish, 5045 E. Thomas Road, Phoenix. A luncheon will follow with opportunity to share stories about Bob. For these celebrations of life, guests are welcome to dress in colorful clothing rather than black.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Bob’s name to Shriners Hospital of St. Louis, https://www.shrinershospitalsforchildren.org/st-louis/ways-to-give.
Dear Dreste Family,
My sincere condolences on the passing of Bob. I remember him very fondly from the days of Valley National Bank and, of course, the many reunions we had after retirement. May God’s strength and comfort be with you. We will miss him.
Gloria Smith
My greatest memories when we were kids were the New Years Eve parties, Fiesta Bowl parades and family picnics. Bob always paid attention to us kids. Played the hand slapping game or did tricks for us. He truly was an example of a man that loved God and it showed in the life he led. He will not be forgotten.
So sorry for your loss. Our friend is Judy Greene, Bob’s sister. She has shared sweet memories of times with him. Love the one about going to the soda shop for soda pop and chips. Wonderful big brother. God bless you all. Also, great idea to wear colorful clothing to the service. Very special!
Oh my, it is hard for me to think that Bob has left us. Remembering the years of fun when the Valley Bank Operations Center was just starting up. Bob made the long, tough days fun with his insane antics. Such as the bookkeeping class on other side of building when the leader would ring a bell for the students to return for class. Bob came up with a cow bell when we machine operators came bank from our break. Of course this was just one of his tricks. Fun loving but serious about his mission and job. Am sure, Betty, the rest of your life was at the mercy of his antics. Bless you and keep those wonderful memories close. God be with you and your family.
May GOD be with your family, I know Bob is in heaven with GOD already, so God bless us all who have been close friends with Bob. I have known and laughed with him for at least 35 years and so enjoyed his company and family. He was always ready with a joke or to laugh at ours, or both. My wife and I and all our friends will miss Bob so much!
I will not be able to be at the visitation but will surely will be at Saint Theresa’s on Friday.
Dear Betty, Lisa, Bonnie and family, we were so saddened to hear of the passing of your husband, father, and grandfather, Bob who was a wonderful friend to so many of us. We had so many memories together from lunches at the VNB Coin Room, serving together on the Fiesta Bowl Parade Committee for many years, HAM Radio Adventures, and of course Cactus Ramblers Outings. So many wonderful stories to share, and ones that will always be cherished by Nancy and I with a warm remembrance and seeing his smiling face and sense of humor that was always prevalent to us all. All our love to you and your’s…… Jack and Nancy Thomas
So sorry to hear the news and see the obituary. Having worked for over 40 years at Valley/Bank One/Chase, I got to know Bob well over the years. What a fun guy! And so involved in banking activities. We all valued his contributions and humor over the years. I wish his family well as they go through this difficult time. And thanks for the reference to Shriner’s Hospital, doing it in Bob’s name! Classy guy.
Betty, I don’t know if you will remember me, but Bob was a great influence on me and my activity in Ham Radio. I probably bugged you too much with my phone calls and visits. There is a special place in my heart for my memories of Bob. Please accept my condolences.