Theobault "Theo" Avery Bath

Theobault Avery "Theo" Bath, age 94, of Kalamazoo, MI and formerly of Danville, IL, died Thursday evening, March 28, 2013 at the Butterfly Oasis – an assisted living group home in Kalamazoo, surrounded by his loving family.

Theo, the son of Frederick and Mamie (Albers) Bath, was born on September 16, 1918 in Danville, IL. He grew up on the Bath family farm on Denmark Road and attended the former historic Rose Hill Grade School. Theo, who was also called "Ted" by his loving wife and many of his friends, was a foreman and machinist by trade and spent many years of his work life at Electric Eye. He was close personal friends of Sam Hurley who owned the company, which later became Hurletron. Theo later worked at Tridan International, Inc., retiring in 1984. He was known as a very hard-working man who could fix and repair anything – and enjoyed tending some of Danville's finest lawns after retiring from his job. Theo was a member of the Central Christian Church of Danville; the Danville Elks Lodge #332, and was a charter member of Vermilion Hills Country Club when it opened in 1960. He was formerly a 32nd Degree Mason and a Junior Achievement Advisor through Hurletron. He was the Danville Elk of the Year in 1984-1985.

Theo began a love for golf when during the Great Depression he helped to support his family as a young caddy at Danville Country Club. He won his first tournament as a youngster – and his winnings were a suit of clothes. Theo was a scratch golfer in his prime and played golf until he had bypass surgery at the age of 89. Even in his 70's and 80's he could still shoot his age. He won numerous golf titles and trophies including Vermilion Hills Club Championship and the Danville Industrial League. He was a contender in numerous other golfing events and was in the foursome that won a State Elks tournament. He liked to play euchre, golf with his wife, and watch golf on television - his personal heroes being Arnold Palmer and Tiger Woods.

On August 31, 1940 in Danville, Theo was united in marriage to the love of his life, Ruth J. Barnes at Central Christian Church. Surviving is his wife of 72+ years, Ruth; his beloved daughter, Jeannie (William R. "Bill") Brandenberger of Kalamazoo; his two loving grandsons, Jason Michael (Susan Nicole) Starr of Venice, CA and Aaron Thomas (Amy Elizabeth) Starr of Phoenix, AZ. He is also survived by his sister, Julia Vehlewald of Danville, nephews Fred (Ruth) Pancoast and Kevin (Pam) Vehlewald of Danville and William Cook of TX. He is survived by brothers-in law Charles Barnes, and Earl (Sandra) Barnes of Phoenix, AZ, and their children; as well as several other great nieces, nephews, and in-laws. Theo was preceded in death by his parents; his son, Larry T. Bath in April of 1960; his sisters, Thelma Hartman and Mary Bath; and half-brothers Earl and Hank Bath and a niece Melva Bryant.

The Funeral Service to celebrate Theo's life will be held on Monday, April 1st at 1:00 p.m. at the Farley-Estes & Dowdle Funeral Home, Richland Chapel, 9170 East D Avenue, with the Rev. James D. Hill, officiating. Friends will be received from Noon until service time at the funeral home on Monday. The Committal Service will be held on Tuesday, April 2nd at 2:00 p.m. (CDT) at the Sunset Funeral Home, 3940 Vermillion Street, Danville, with Hank Anderson, Pastor of the Central Christian Church, officiating. Friends will be received from 1:00 p.m. until service time at the funeral home. Interment will follow at Sunset Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Theo's honor may be directed to the Central Christian Church, 1101 N. Vermilion Street, Danville, IL 61832