Terry Robert (Bob) DeCock lost his hard-fought battle with cancer at 7:32pm on Sunday January 23, 2022. Just 3 days after his 76th birthday. Bob was born January 20th, 1946, in Miles City, Montana to Oscar and Margaret (Pearson) DeCock. Bob arrived eight minutes before his twin brother Jerry James (Jim). The twins joined the family of two sisters (Marlene and Joyce) and one brother (Gary) to quickly outnumber the girls. Having older sisters was great, they helped Margaret with the care and supervision of the three boys.
Bob was raised in Hysham Montana on the second-generation family farm. Chores, farming and ranching responsibilities were a daily part of his life. He quickly realized he never wanted to raise chicken or have a milk cow. He attended Hysham Public School from first grade to graduation. Graduating with the class of 1964. Bob attended MSU Bozeman for several quarters, until the time that he returned home to aid with his fathers’ failing health.
Sharon (Stearns) DeCock caught his eye at a Christmas party in December of 1973 and they were married November 23rd, 1974. A couple years later they had a baby girl Kendra, and two years later a son Travis. Bob may have never changed a diaper, but he instilled honesty, hard work, and having a positive attitude into his children.
Bob worked on the farm with his brother Jim. Bob’s love for the farm was evident in his dedication to it. It was not a job; it was his way of life. The twins were also ranchers and Bob enjoyed feeding, calving, and being chased by angry momma cows. Bob was also an active board member of the Yellowstone Irrigation District as well as the Treasure County Conservation District.
Bob loved people and talking and sharing stories. Bob never met a stranger and made friends everywhere he went. His opening line would be “Where are you from?” He was a compassionate and forgiving man, with a desire to mend any broken relationship. He would help anyone in need; from giving a ride to buying a tire for a complete stranger. In the last couple years, he made friends and deeply appreciated his nurses in the chemotherapy department.
Surviving Bob is his wife of 47 years, Sharon; daughter Kendra Whitmus (Luke Coronato); Grandchildren, Hunter Whitmus, Walker Whitmus, Lorraine Coronato; Son Travis (Tonya) DeCock; brother Jerry James (Richelle) DeCock; brother Gary (Ginger) DeCock; sister Marlene (Jack) Sundt and many nieces and nephews.
Bob DeCock was preceded in death by his father Oscar Decock, mother Margaret DeCock, sister Joyce (Harold) Hert, baby sister Sharon L. DeCock.
Memorials can be sent to the Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation (cholangiocarcinoma.org) or the charity of your choice.
Terry Robert DeCock, age 76, of Hysham
January 20, 1946 – January 23, 2022
sharon cope says
I am so sorry for your loss Sharon. Prayers to you and your family.
Sherry Lynn Sprenger says
We will never forget Bob’s friendly and welcoming nature. He was such a kind and thoughtful person. He will be missed. Praying for you my dear friend as you mourn the loss of your soul mate.
Connie Brown says
Sharon, Kendra and Travis;
I was so sorry to hear of Bob’s passing; he was always so kind! Every time I seen that man he would thank me again for giving Kendra a job. Hold tight to the memories, I will keep you in my prayers.
George and Ina says
Dear Sharon, Kendra, and Travis plus your grandbabies.
We are sadden to learn of your loss of Bob. Agree with Sherry that Bob was friendly, kind and caring. Susie said that every time Bob saw her, that he would ask about Mike and how he was doing. Caring about those around him was such a part of Bob’s make up. Know that this community will greatly miss Bob.
With loving and caring, we wish the best for you and your family.
Linda Fenner says
Dear Sharon and family,
I as so sorry to hear about Bob. He was always so good to me. He will be missed.
God bless all of you.
Lynelle Tompkins says
So sorry to hear this. I always enjoyed visiting with him and “learning the news” when he came into N.A.P.A. to pick up parts. Always good stories. Keep all your memories in your heart so you can look back and remember. That way no one is ever gone.
Lou schield says
Sharon! I am so sorry about Bob! Such a nice fellow. Always so nice to me. Always took time to visit with me when he seen me. I am so sorry! In prays! Lou Schield
Louise Fenner says
I”m so sorry to hear about Bob. He was my first cousin (Oscar was my mother Leona’s brother). I enjoyed living so close to Bob and Jim when we lived in Hysham on “the Fenner place.” We all got together a lot back then to play and get into mischief. I didn’t get to see Bob and Jim very often after that, although I think we were able to visit in 2010 and 2016 when I traveled to Montana. I always loved Bob’s big smile. This is a sad loss to his family and friends and the community, and I send my heartfelt condolences.
Mike & Shelly Chandler says
Sharon, Kendra, Travis
We are so sorry for your loss. Anytime we saw Bob he always had a smile on his face he was the most friendliest person around. His famous words We remember the most were (well you know).
Gary Sandy Kyle RaaLee Justin says
We all must go
When,Only the good Lord knows
Thank You Bob for the Inspiration for my family talking to me or Sandy you always asked about Kyle, RaeLee and Justin. They all had wonderful memories about you. Justin worked for you a couple of summers and you would kid him about how many girls he could get in his Rap Mobil and he mentioned about 2 o’clock you guys would head into town for ice cream. You will be Truly Missed Bob
Larry & Vicky Fink says
Sharon….our deepest sympathy to you and your family. Always enjoyed seeing Bob around town, and he always took the time to ask about kids and grandkids. Take care.
Myles & Judi Vanhemelryck says
Sharon, Kendra, Travis… We are so sorry to hear the news. Being a neighbor for fifty-four years before moving to Helena. Bob was always wondering what he could to do help us out. Always the smile when meeting him made it very comfortable to be around him. Always visiting with everyone he met at the Friendly Corner. Will be missed for sure. Prayers and thoughts be with you.
Marsha Ash says
I am so sorry for your loss. Please, of any of you need anything, call us and we will be there.
Jennifer Ferguson Johnson says
I’m so sorry for your loss. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Mark Cole says
When I started school, two of the first people I new from brandings, were the DeCock twins, upper class men 2nd graders. Bob and Jim were good friends then and will forever be so. Rest In Peace, Bob, you ran a super race. Job well done.
Mary and Tim Hurr says
We are so saddened to hear about Bob passing away. Tim and I always enjoyed our time around him. He was a great man! Our Thoughts and Prayers be with you all.
Skip and Pam White says
Bob had a way of adding sunshine to your day. His upbeat personality, continuous smile and funny jokes had a way of brightening up your day. Bob’s positive attitude should be an inspiration to everyone. He will be missed by so many and will never be forgotten. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family during this difficult time.
Mary Ottoy says
My sympathies and prayers to all of the DeCock family. RIP Bob.
Jim Shaw says
Bob was the very best A ++++ Brother-in-law in all the world…a gift from the Lord for his Sharon, family and friends and the land he loved. We have been most blessed by this loving Ranchet’s big soul as we live on because of his inspiring fiendship and wisdom. “Every Exit is also an Entrance” so, I will see ya later, Bob.”
Charles DeCock says
Hard to lose a relative as kind and cordial as cousin Bob. He will be in a heavenly kingdom out of pain and next to loved ones. Rest In Peace my friend. You will certainly be missed by many!
Ralph Poffenberger says
I am so sorry to hear of Bob’s passing. I have a lot of fun memories of Bob that I’ll cherish forever especially the times I’d tease him about how much better Chevy trucks were than Fords.
Hysham lost one heck of a nice guy.
Rest in peace Bob
Barbara Kirkaldie says
Dear Sharon , Kendra, Travis and Family,
With our deepest sympathy we lift you up in our prayers .
All our love , Tom & Barbie Kirkaldie
Cindy Schaak says
Sharon, Kendra, Travis and Family, My deepest sympathy go out to you all. Bob was one of the great ones, RIP
Pat Engle Norris says
Sending my condolences to Bob’s family. I have always appreciated the friendly conversations we would have when I was able to visit with him. I treasure high school memories of “goofing off” in study hall.
Sam and Ann Stuart says
Sending our condolences to the DeCock family.
Sam and Ann Stuart
Frank and Lawanda Mouat says
So sorry to hear of Bob’s passing! He ran a strong race. We so enjoyed any time we had a visit with him and you Sharon!! Praying for comfort and strength during this time! He touched a lot of lives with his caring nature.
Sandy Kicker says
Sharon and family, its been years but we have fond memories of Bob. He was always a delight to visit with.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you!
Bob and Sandy Kicker
Terri Watson Coldwell says
Sharon, Kendra, Travis and Family,
I am sorry to hear about Bob. When I saw Terry Decock, I did not know who that was until I read the obituary. I have known Bob and Jim all my life and never knew their real names until now. I used to work at the Town & Country Cafe after school and some week-ends. I would just see the top of Bob & Jim’s head walking by the front window and knew they were coming in for a strawberry milk shake. I never had to second guess. Cancer is very unforgiving and I am so sorry he and his family had to go through that. Just know he will be watching over all of you. God Bless
Rick & Karen Mouat says
So sorry to hear of Bob’s passing. I haven’t seen Bob for many years, but he was always so friendly and kind and always a smile on his face. We send our thoughts and prayers to the family.
Grace Larson says
I remember Bob’s smile just like this photo of him. My heart is so sad for his wife and children, and his brother, Jim & wife, Richelle. Life will go on as it always does but it will never be the same for Bob’s loved ones left behind. My memories of Bob are of a wonderful man, a rancher, a down to earth family man. It is with great sorrow that I saw his death in my paper today. I moved to Kalispell but people like Bob and his family-extended family mean so much to me. With Prayers. Grace
Charlee & Justin Kuhbacher says
Please know Mills Auction Service sends our Deepest Sympathy…when we did your Auction, years ago in Hysham, it was good to get to know ya…
Diane Buell says
My sympathy to all Bob’s family. He and Jim are younger cousins of mine. I’m Dick, Charlie, and Nancy Jo’s older sister, and live in Bend, OR. Rest in peace now from that big “C” that is so prevalent. Diane
Darla (Beyl) Paul says
Sharon, Kendra, and Travis,
Sorry to hear of Bob’s passing. My thoughts are with you all.
Vickie krause says
Bob was walking sunshine where ever he appeared. Enjoyed listening to his stories along with brother Jim. He knew no stranger . We had a lot of wonderful times at Myers roping steers . He’ll be greatly missed. My heart goes out to u Sharon, Kendra & Travis & grandkids.