Robert Leigh DeFries

Robert "Bob" Leigh DeFries, 84, of Glasgow, passed away peacefully on November 12, 2026, at TJ Samson Community Hospital, surrounded by his loved ones. He was born on April 26, 1942, in Breckenridge, Minnesota, on a farm, to the late Bill and Genevieve Margaret DeFries.

Bob joined the Navy in 1960 and retired as a Master Chief E-9 after 30 years of service. He did five tours in Vietnam and retired off the USS Eisenhower. He served on several ships and was stationed in Alaska, Guam, Hawaii, and Japan. He was trained as a Russian interpreter but changed fields to serve on ships during the war in Vietnam. 

Bob married Gloria Milsten in 1971, and they celebrated their 55th anniversary last August. He raised Gloria's three children as his own.  

Bob is survived by his loving wife, Gloria Milsten DeFries; children, Deborah French (Steve) of Washington, Missouri and Phil Dare (Doris) of Travelers Rest, South Carolina; five grandchildren, Matt Covington (Randi) of Columbia, Missouri, Jenna Covington (Woody Moe) of St. Peters, Missouri, Phillip Dare of Summerville, South Carolina, Bobby Dare (Kate) of Summerville, South Carolina, and Cristi Maw (Zak) of Travelers Rest, South Carolina; five great grandchildren, Gracie Maw, Zachary Maw, Christopher Maw, Ruby Maw, and Frankie Covington; sister, Betty Evans; brother, Marvin DeFries (Debbie) of Lake Havasu, Arizona; and sister-in-law, Carol DeFries. Bob also loved children and had many bonus children in his life who were deeply loved by him, the Dunn family, the Jenkins-Lile family, and the Stewart family.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his son, Larry Dare; sister, Judy Shockley (Dave); brother, Roger DeFries, Jim DeFries (Rose), and his brother-in- law, Glen Evans.

A memorial service will be held at 3:00 PM, Tuesday, November 17, 2026, at A.F. Crow & Son Funeral Home. Visitation will be Tuesday from 12:00 PM until time for the service at the funeral home. Private Burial will be held at a later date in the Kentucky Veterans Cemetery in Radcliff, Kentucky. Military Honors will be provided by the DAV Chapter 20 prior to the service.