Obituary: Robert "Bud" L. LaBree (1932-2021)

Robert "Bud" L. LaBree, 89, of Roscoe, passed away Tuesday, July 20, 2021. He was born on June 27, 1932 in Hematite, Missouri, but he was raised near Orlando, Florida, according  to a 2017 article in the Rockford Register-Star.

Joining the United States Army at age 17, Bud became a Private First Class. The Korean War was about to begin, and he was sent to Korea two days before his 18th birthday, serving on the front lines in the 25th Division, 89th Tank Batallion. He recalled, "My lieutenant told me to get on top on the tank with some binoculars and let them know if I saw anything." That's how he received the first of his two Purple Hearts, in 1951.  According to the Rockford Register-Star article, he was planning to tour Korean War locations in 2017 for three days with the Korea Disabled Veterans Organization, but had to cancel at the last minute. He said, "I still wake up during the night and think about them — the thousands of men who were killed or disappeared. It’s something you can’t describe. It’s stuck with me all this time; 65 years it’s stuck with me."

Bud married Sylvia Fischer on October 12, 1957 in Piggott, Arkansas. Bud was the proud owner and operator of LaBree Concrete. He enjoyed feeding his animals, working in his yard and making daily trips to Panera Bread for his coffee. Bud also enjoyed participating in the Vets Roll.

Survivors include his wife, Sylvia LaBree; sons, Robert "Beaver", Paul and Mike "Mean Mike" LaBree; grandchildren, Josh LaBree, Danielle LaBree, Codi LaBree, Les Trish Jr. and Sammy Tish and great-grandchildren, Layla LaBree and Austin Tish. He was predeceased by his parents and his dog and best friend, Tyson.

Funeral arrangements were made through Honquest Family Funeral Homes with Crematory. A graveside service will be held at Floral Lawn Cemetery in South Beloit, IL at a later date.