Mrs. Eva L. Bobo, proprietor of Delmonico’s Diner at 4909 Delmar Blvd., passed away Saturday, October 1, 2005.
Mrs. Bobo was born February 1, 1913 in Holly Springs, Mississippi where she learned to cook at the young age of 8. She migrated to St. Louis in 1948.
In the 1960s, Mrs. Bobo was employed as a cook at Woolworth’s in Crestwood. During that time she decided to open her own restaurant. “If I could do this for others, I could do it for myself,” she once said.
She turned her gift for entertaining family, church members and friends into a popular St. Louis restaurant which she operated for over 30 years.
Delmonico’s has received numerous awards from various community organizations and agencies throughout the years. It has been voted best Soul Food restaurant many times in local polls and featured on several television programs. Celebrities such as Muhammad Ali, Ruby Dee, the Rev. Jesse Jackson, Dusty Baker and members of the St. Louis Rams have visited the popular restaurant.
Mrs. Bobo was a devoted member of Central Baptist Church for more than 50 years. She was married to the late Sylvester Bobo and is survived by her four children, Corrine Tyler (Rev. Lee Tyler), Eddie C. Jones (Sallie), Dorothy Dunn, Oscar Jones (Aminee); three step-children, Georgia Smith, Betty Liggins, Andrew L. Mosby; 18 grandchildren; 37 great-grandchildren; 3 great-great-grandchildren; as well as a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.
Delmonico’s is closed in observance of Mrs. Bobo’s passing and will reopen on Sunday, October 9.
Visitation is Thursday, October 6, from 4-7 p.m. Funeral is Friday, October 7 at 11 a.m. All services will be held at Central Baptist Church, 2842 Washington Blvd. Call (314) 533-0747.
