Bob was born in East St. Louis, Illinois on December 20, 1931 to Corrine Alice and Charles Utterback. When he was very young his mother remarried Lavere Holt Broom who raised Bob as his own. He grew up in Madison, Wisconsin, and traveled worldwide with his family as his dad was in the Air Force for 26 years. He graduated from General H. H. Arnold High School in Wiesbaden, Germany and after graduation he enlisted in the Air Force, serving as an aerial photographer for 4 years. His family settled in Riverside, California, where he met the love of his life. He married Jacqueline (Jackie) Watson on May, 30, 1957 and they were married 55 years until her death in 2012.
Bob was a committed Christian, he loved the church and his Bible studies. He worked for Rohr industries as an aircraft assembler for 38 years. He enjoyed coaching little league and was a basketball player, referee and a softball umpire for many years. Other interests included photography, gardening (especially roses), travelling across country, and spending time with his children and grandchildren. In 2013, he moved to Midland, Texas to be closer to his daughter and family and became a fixture in the bleachers at Midland Christian, enthusiastically supporting the volleyball, basketball and track teams. "Hi Ho Silver!"
Bob is preceded in death by his parents Corrine and Lavere Broom, his sister Kathy Irwin and her husband Phil. He is survived by his children Michael T. Utterback, Sandra Ashton and husband Stan. Grandson's Michael G. Utterback and Jacob Ashton, granddaughter's Madison Ashton Richardson and Husband Jacob, Morgan Ashton, and Megan Ashton, Step granddaughter Jennifer Kersten and husband Ryan, and great grandchildren Kevin and Caleb Kersten.
The funeral service will be held in Midland at Christ Church Anglican on Sunday, February 3rd at 3:30pm with Jonathan Hartzer officiating. Bob will be inurned and placed in a niche at Riverside National Cemetery in California at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be given to Christ Church Anglican in Midland, Midland Christian School, and Hospice of Midland.
The family of Robert Utterback wishes to thank the many volunteers from Christ Church who have delivered home communion, made visits, prayed with us, and ministered to us. We appreciate each and every one of you. Online condolences may be offered at www.ellisfunerals.com.
The family invites all friends and family to a funeral service at All Saints Episcopal Church in Riverside, California on Sunday, March 10, 2019 at 3:00pm with a reception following in the fellowship hall. And a Inurnment at Riverside National Cemetery in Riverside, California on March 11, 2019 at 11:00am.
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