Robert Waggoner

Known for his dry sense of humor and fun loving personality, Robert Waggoner certainly made life more interesting for those around him. His family and friends always knew to keep a watchful eye out if Bob was around as he liked pulling pranks in the name of a good laugh. Bob was a devoted father who modeled strength and excellence by the life he lived each day and always insisted that his children give everything their all. He loosened up a bit as he entered the sunset of his life and found his greatest delight in becoming a grandfather. Although life was not without hardship for Bob, he never wavered in his convictions and tackled whatever came his way with his character intact.

As WWII unfolded overseas, the beginning of 1941 found America still hopeful in remaining neutral. It wasn’t until the vicious attack of Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, that the need for our engagement in the war became undeniable. Countless young people were then sent overseas while those left stateside stepped into the roles their servicemen and women left behind while holding on to hope for their safe return. It was early in this same year that there was much to celebrate for one young family from Shiawassee County, Michigan, since they were thrilled to announce the birth of a healthy baby boy on February 24th. Robert Lewis was welcomed into the world by his loving parents, Neal and Lucille (Sanders) Waggoner, and joined his older brother, Bruce, in his family. His father divorced his mother when Robert was still a toddler and as a result, Bob never had a real relationship with his birth father. His mother married Carl England when Bob was about four years old. Bob was a shy boy who attended schools in Shiawassee during his youngest years, but moved around a bit throughout the rest of his childhood years so he attended various schools. He never cared for school much although he did enjoy art class.

It was during his formative years that Bob developed his deep love for the outdoors that continued throughout the rest of his life. He earned the nickname “Turtle” because he could always find several turtles in various creeks around his house. Bob’s stepfather taught him how to fish, which quickly became one of his favorite activities, and he also liked hunting both ducks and geese.

When Bob’s stepfather was hired as a welder in California, Bob moved there with his parents, although his brother remained in Michigan to finish out his senior year. It was during this time in his life that Bob developed a lifelong love for motorcycles as he owned several throughout his life. Not to be forgotten during this time was Bob’s blossoming relationship with a young girl he had known since he was in junior high school. Her name was Lorraine Hunter and they reconnected through letters as high school students. After he graduated from high school, Bob married Lorraine out in California. They remained out West for a time and it was there that they were blessed with the birth of their son, Nathan.

Once they returned to Michigan, Bob and Lorraine added two new members to their busy family – their son, Tod, and their daughter, Jeannette. As a father Bob was strict and expected a lot of his children, but they never questioned his love for them. Although his marriage to Lorraine ended in divorce after 16 years, he was always grateful for the family they built together.

In order to support his family, Bob worked at Simplicity Engineering in Durand. He had a strong work ethic and did his job well for 35 years before retiring.

Life headed in a new and exciting direction for Bob when he met and later married a woman named Kaye Eckert on June 17, 1983, in Durand. She brought her two children into the marriage, and the newlyweds honeymooned with their combined bunch of five children, enjoying a time of camping at Otsego Lake. Together Bob and Kaye liked painting, photography, golf, and memorable trips up North. Additionally, Bob was a music lover who took classical guitar lessons as an adult. His more rigid tendencies began to soften as he aged and from the moment he became a grandfather, spending time with his grandchildren became a treasured activity.

Later in his life Bob endured many health challenges and was forced to begin dialysis in 2006. He continued this for several years until he decided it was too much and that he was simply tired of fighting so hard. It was just three weeks later that he drew his last breath.

When remembering Robert Waggoner we recall his strong work ethic, his numerous pranks, and his unending dedication to his family. He made the most of the life he was given and always made sure his loved ones knew how much he loved them in his own special way. Bob wholeheartedly applied himself to whatever task was at hand and taught his children the importance of this necessary life skill. The memories he leaves behind have become priceless treasures and will be cherished for years to come. Bob will be deeply missed.

Robert Lewis Waggoner died May 5, 2011. Bob’s family includes his wife, Kaye; his brother, Bruce (Kathy) Newell ; children, Nathan D. Waggoner, Tod E. Waggoner, Jeanette L. Waggoner-Fureigh, Steve R. Eckert II, Kimberly (David) Hanvey; grandchildren, Kierstin E. Fureigh, Jessica A. Fureigh, Hunter L. Fureigh, and Anthony J. Hanvey; as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins. Robert was preceded in death by his stepfather, Carl England and mother, Lucille England. Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Monday, May 9, 2011, with Rev. Melvin Rhodes officiating at The Osgood Funeral Home in St. Johns. The family will receive friends prior to the service from 9 a.m.-11 a.m., at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Robert’s name to the American Heart Association or the American Diabetes Association. To learn more about Robert and view his Life Story film, please visit his personal webpage at www.lifestorynet.com/memories/68909.