Robert Jonathan “Bob” Lace, Jr
November 10th, 1943 - March 28th, 2026
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Bob's Obituary
Robert Jonathan "Bob" Lace, Jr., (82), of Buchanan died March 28, 2026.
A Celebration of Bob's Life will be held on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, 3:00 pm at Swem Chapel, 301 W. Front St., Buchanan. Visitation will take place from 1:00 – 3:00, Wednesday, April 8, 2026, also at the funeral home. Full military honors will be rendered by the Buchanan American Legion #51 and the U. S. Navy. Burial will be in the Veterans' Columbarium in Oak Ridge Cemetery at a later date.
Bob was born on November 10, 1943, in Niles to Robert and Christina (Rauch) Lace. He lived in Niles until his sophmore year in high school, moved to Buchanan and graduated in 1961 from BHS. Then Bob enlisted in the United States Navy on May 2, 1962. His basic training was at Great Lakes, IL and Sonar School in Key West, FL. Trained in locating enemy submarines, Bob served on five destroyers in the Atlantic—landing in 43 countries on five continents. After his service on the ocean, he was an instructor at the University of Georgia Tech instructing student naval reservists; then a recruiter in Indiana. A dedicated serviceman, having proudly served on active duty for 20 years, he retired on October 31, 1982, followed by 10 years of Fleet Reserve. As a proud patriot, his military career was a cornerstone of his life's narrative and he often shared tales of the seas with a glint of nostalgia in his eyes. He loved his country. After his military service, professionally, he worked at Cook Nuclear Plant for three years and Electro-Voice for 17 years and was the President of the Union when he retired the second time.
Upon returning from his military service, Bob reconnected with his high school sweetheart, Donna Flenar. He proposed to Donna at their 25th class reunion and they were married on November 22, 1986, in Buchanan. From 2007 to 2017, they enjoyed their winter home in Ingram, Texas and spending time with Bob's relatives; but there's no place like home! Bob was a member of the Niles Elks Lodge for 56 years and the Buchanan American Legion for 52 years. As a sports fan, Bob enjoyed watching college basketball and football and professional boxing. He loved to golf and fish. He was an avid Notre Dame fan.
Most of all, Bob loved his family and cherished time spent with them. He leaves behind a legacy of love, strength and laughter. The grandkids and great grands were the center of entertainment—from fishing, golfing, sporting events and family gatherings, he loved it all and was so proud of each one.
Bob was a loving husband, father, brother, grandfather and great grandfather and is survived by his wife of 39 years, Donna; daughter, April Lace; sons, Dale (Anita) Backus and Chuck (Arlene) Atkins; grandchildren: Kate (Jason) Smith, John (Megan) Backus, Dan (Avery) Backus, Blaine Backus and Andrew (Scarlet) Marks; great-grandchildren, Sidney, Garick, Jensen, and Traeten Smith; Cayson and Bruce Backus; Nevaeh Backus and Stella Marks; sisters, Robyn (Don) Laughhunn and Candace (Charles) Erber. He was preceded in death by his father, Robert J. Lace, Sr., step-mother, Helen Lace; mother, Christine (Rauch) Dillavou, step-father, Donald Dillavou; sister, Sue (Dan) Gallagher and daughter, Denise Ann Backus.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude's Children's Hospital or Tunnel to Towers, P O Box 70719, Philadelphia, PA 19176-0719.
A Celebration of Bob's Life will be held on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, 3:00 pm at Swem Chapel, 301 W. Front St., Buchanan. Visitation will take place from 1:00 – 3:00, Wednesday, April 8, 2026, also at the funeral home. Full military honors will be rendered by the Buchanan American Legion #51 and the U. S. Navy. Burial will be in the Veterans' Columbarium in Oak Ridge Cemetery at a later date.
Bob was born on November 10, 1943, in Niles to Robert and Christina (Rauch) Lace. He lived in Niles until his sophmore year in high school, moved to Buchanan and graduated in 1961 from BHS. Then Bob enlisted in the United States Navy on May 2, 1962. His basic training was at Great Lakes, IL and Sonar School in Key West, FL. Trained in locating enemy submarines, Bob served on five destroyers in the Atlantic—landing in 43 countries on five continents. After his service on the ocean, he was an instructor at the University of Georgia Tech instructing student naval reservists; then a recruiter in Indiana. A dedicated serviceman, having proudly served on active duty for 20 years, he retired on October 31, 1982, followed by 10 years of Fleet Reserve. As a proud patriot, his military career was a cornerstone of his life's narrative and he often shared tales of the seas with a glint of nostalgia in his eyes. He loved his country. After his military service, professionally, he worked at Cook Nuclear Plant for three years and Electro-Voice for 17 years and was the President of the Union when he retired the second time.
Upon returning from his military service, Bob reconnected with his high school sweetheart, Donna Flenar. He proposed to Donna at their 25th class reunion and they were married on November 22, 1986, in Buchanan. From 2007 to 2017, they enjoyed their winter home in Ingram, Texas and spending time with Bob's relatives; but there's no place like home! Bob was a member of the Niles Elks Lodge for 56 years and the Buchanan American Legion for 52 years. As a sports fan, Bob enjoyed watching college basketball and football and professional boxing. He loved to golf and fish. He was an avid Notre Dame fan.
Most of all, Bob loved his family and cherished time spent with them. He leaves behind a legacy of love, strength and laughter. The grandkids and great grands were the center of entertainment—from fishing, golfing, sporting events and family gatherings, he loved it all and was so proud of each one.
Bob was a loving husband, father, brother, grandfather and great grandfather and is survived by his wife of 39 years, Donna; daughter, April Lace; sons, Dale (Anita) Backus and Chuck (Arlene) Atkins; grandchildren: Kate (Jason) Smith, John (Megan) Backus, Dan (Avery) Backus, Blaine Backus and Andrew (Scarlet) Marks; great-grandchildren, Sidney, Garick, Jensen, and Traeten Smith; Cayson and Bruce Backus; Nevaeh Backus and Stella Marks; sisters, Robyn (Don) Laughhunn and Candace (Charles) Erber. He was preceded in death by his father, Robert J. Lace, Sr., step-mother, Helen Lace; mother, Christine (Rauch) Dillavou, step-father, Donald Dillavou; sister, Sue (Dan) Gallagher and daughter, Denise Ann Backus.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude's Children's Hospital or Tunnel to Towers, P O Box 70719, Philadelphia, PA 19176-0719.
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