Bob Dallas

Bob D. Dallas, age 90, lifelong resident of the Harrisburg area and longtime legendary Coach in Ridgway and Gallatin County passed on this life December 5, 2018 in the Memorial Hospital in Carbondale.  Bob or Coach as most knew him was born on the family farm where he lives today on June 3, 1928 to the late Everett and Floe (Absher) Dallas.

Coach Dallas graduated from Harrisburg High School and then furthered his education at SIU earning a Bachelors degree.  He served his country in the U.S. Navy.  In 1955 he took the job at Ridgway High School as the Physical Education teacher and coach of basketball and baseball from 1955 to 1997 when the Gallatin county Schools all consolidated and he moved to the new school.  During his tenure at Ridgway and Gallatin county which spanned 46 years he also touched the lives of thousands of students as he taught Drivers Education.

Known for his tough and no nonsense approach and his huge stature, he was feared by many, but down deep he was a person of great compassion.  His legacy on the basketball court will never be forgotten, a legend in the State of Illinois.  He is 5th all time with wins (772) at one school and 11th overall.  His total record being 772 wins against 408 losses which is 68% win rate.  He coached some incredible teams and players in his time, with his highlight being 1973 winning the Illinois High School State Basketball Tournament .  He was also in the top 5 of wins in high school baseball as a coach.  He was inducted to the Hall of Fame in basketball and baseball.   He loved to hunt, horse racing and farm.  He was raised a hard worker and that carried on his entire life.    He was a member of the Ridgway American Legion and the 2nd team in Harrisburg.  In this area when you hear the word Coach, you think of Bob Dallas.  He will be missed but never forgot

Bob is survived by his wife Nina Kay (Pierson) Dallas, daughter, Pam Pearson,  son, Shannon (Linda) Thurston, grandchildren, Shaylin and Talon Thurston,  Brother in law, Don & Joy Pierson, niece, Debra Wolf, and nephew Doug Wilson, he was preceded by a daughter, Amy Jo Seright , Sisters and brother in laws, Euline (Lee) Eilbracht, Bob Wilson and Gloria Hall.

Funeral service for Coach Dallas will be on December 15, 2018 at the St. Kateri  Catholic Church in Ridgway at 12 Noon,  where the family will receive friends after 9:30 AM.  He will be laid to rest immediately following in the Sunset Lawn cemetery in Harrisburg with his parents.  Cox & Son Funeral Home in Ridgway is entrusted with his arrangements.

There will be a Coach Bob Dallas Scholarship fund started in his memory and the family ask memorial contributions be made in his memory to this.  Envelopes will be available at the service.  You may also send a note of comfort to the family at www.coxandon.com.