Robert Joseph Laiben, 86, of Festus died July 12, 2018, at Crystal Oaks Nursing Center in Crystal City. Mr. Laiben was a retired machinist with the Rush Island Union Electric Plant in southern Jefferson County and a member of the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 148. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army who served in the Army National Guard for 22 years, and was a member of Elks Lodge 1721 in Crystal City. Born Feb. 13, 1932, in Festus, he was the son of the late Grace Mae (Statler) and Joseph P. “Dode” Laiben.
He is survived by his wife of 65 years: June (Zimpfer) Laiben; a daughter: Brenda (Bob) Pigg of De Soto; two sons: Robert “Bob” (Irene) Laiben of Bloomsdale and Larry (Janet) Laiben of De Soto; two sisters: Zeda (the late Richard “Bud”) Roth of Herculaneum and Ruth Ann (the late Charles) Becker of Festus; two sisters-in-law: Linda Laiben of Hematite and Joyce Laiben of Festus; six grandchildren: Christopher Laiben, Kelly (Dennis) Uding, Christina Henneman, Tyler Young, Adam Young and Abby Young; and two great-grandchildren: Alaina and Lillian Uding.
He was preceded in death by a sister: Gladys (the late James) Cook; and three brothers: Bernard “Barney” Laiben Sr., Henry A. Laiben and Fred Laiben.
A funeral service was held July 16 at Vinyard Funeral Home in Festus, officiated by Pastor Tish Green. Burial with full military honors was in the National Cemetery at Jefferson Barracks. Memorials may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Arrangements are under the direction of Vinyard Funeral Home.