Born in Rosaclair, Illinois on February 19, 1930 to Gobel Reba May. He was the fourth child born in the family. Older siblings were Thelma and Raymond. A third child, Betty, died at birth. Bob and his family lived with their grandmother, Jennie Vaughn until the death of his father in 1939. At that time the family had grown to include his sister Peggy and brother Jimmy. His early years were difficult and he worked to help the family, leaving formal schooling at age eleven. Bob worked on his sisters farm until he was fifteen and moved to Biloxi, Mississippi to live with his mother. The family moved to Pasco, Washington when he was sixteen, living in the navy housing project. Bob went to work at the Northern Pacific Railroad Roundhouse as a blacksmith helper prior to joining the navy and seeing the world. After boot camp his first assignment was with a new ship destined to make a round the world goodwill gesture. He brought home treasures, such as jewels from India and silks from China. In Japan he fell in love with a Japanese girl and always remembered her. Later when stationed in Bremerton he made many trips home on a short forty-eight hour pass. After leaving the navy, he joined his brother Raymond in the painting trade. He remained a painter until his retirement from Westinghouse Hanford in 1989. He enjoyed his retirement spending winters in Yuma, Arizona making friends and enjoying the companionship of his beloved dog Penelope. Bob was preceded in death by his father and mother, his sister Thelma, and brother Raymond. He is survived by his sister Peggy Jones and brother Jim May, both of Pasco. Also surviving is his special niece Susan Stevenson, nieces Stephanie Stover, Darla May, Reba May, and nephews Robert May, Jimmy May, Raymond May and Gary Jones Jr. Graveside service at Pasco's City View Cemetery Wednesday April 16th at 11:00am. Afterwords family gathering at the the home of his sister Peggy Jones.