Robert Bob Eugene John Sr.

Robert Eugene John, Sr., 77, passed away on Sunday, April 17, 2016 after a brave battle with cancer. He was born in Dayton, OH and proudly served his country in the United States Navy. He was proud to be on the Inaugural and 2nd Mediterranean Cruise of the USS Saratoga. While in the Navy, he met his beloved wife of 56 years. They resided in Jacksonville and Fruit Cove for the past 39 years.

He was loved and respected by all that knew him. Bob was a family man and loving husband, father, friend and will be missed deeply by all. He spent his career in I.T. beginning at Prudential, Elder Beerman, Allstate Pipe Supply, AT&T, and Citicorp. Upon retirement Bob became a master gardener and an avid beekeeper. Gardening was his passion and he loved nature.

He was preceded in death by his father, Osceola John; mother, Florence Matz; step-father, John Matz; brothers, Warren S. Honious, Charles Honious.

He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Mary Lou (Dickerson) John; son, Robert E. John Jr. (Donna); daughters, Cynthia Roesler (Joe), Elizabeth Kemp, Michelle Wright; sisters, Jeannette Mitchell, Melody Berry, Pamela Huffington; 9 grandchildren, Kenton Cook, Raleigh John, Zachary Patterson, Amanda Roesler, Michael Roesler, Courtney Kemp, Wesleigh John, Leighem John, Nicholas Wright; one great-grandchild, Charlotte Cook; and many nieces and nephews.

The Funeral Service will be held at 11:00am on Wednesday, April 20, 2016 with Visitation one hour prior to service in Hardage-Giddens Funeral Home of Mandarin, 11801 San Jose Boulevard, Jacksonville, FL 32223. Interment will follow in Oaklawn Cemetery, 4801 San Jose Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32207. Memorial contributions can be made to Sarcoma Foundation of America at https://www.curesarcoma.org/donate/.

Arrangements are under the care and direction of Hardage-Giddens Funeral Home of Mandarin, 11801 San Jose Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32223. www.hgmandarin.com (904) 288-0025