Robert "Bob" J. Rooke

Bob Rooke, prominent member of the Humboldt business and civic communities, died at home in Humboldt on Friday, February 11, 2011. He was 84 years old.

A true patriot, he was born on the 4th of July, 1926 in Cleveland, OH. He grew up learning the hard lessons of the Depression, which served him well his entire life. Having overcome a childhood bout with polio, Bob recovered to become a fine athlete, earning a varsity letter on his college tennis team.

During World War II, Bob served his country in the 80th Infantry Division of General Patton’s 3rd Army, seeing action which included the Battle of the Bulge. For his service, he was awarded the Silver Star, the Bronze Star, and the Purple Heart.

After the war, Bob entered college on the GI Bill, and earned a degree in mechanical engineering. He was the first member of his family to earn a college degree.

Bob married Mary Frances Wahl in 1951, to whom he remained totally devoted until his death.

Bob joined Eaton Corporation in 1955, ultimately becoming manager of the Axle Housing Division in 1973. It was he who chose Humboldt as the site for Axle Housing Plant, oversaw its construction, and managed its operation until his retirement in 1988.

Throughout his life, Bob was active in building the community. He had served as President of the Humboldt Chamber of Commerce, President of the Humboldt Lions Club, President of the West Tennessee Strawberry Festival, and Vice-Chairman of the Gibson County Industrial Development Board. He also served as a board member of the West Tennessee Council of the Boy Scouts of America, the Gibson County United Way, Cedar Crest Hospital, the Helping Hand, and the UT Martin Engineering Advisory Board.

Bob is survived by his wife, Mary Frances; children, Bob of Plano, TX, Mary Ellen Krohn of Bowling Green, KY, Dee Dee Croghan of Louisville, KY, Patrick of Sugar Hill, GA and John of Knoxville, TN, and ten grandchildren, Katie Strange, Michael Krohn, Macie, Annie, John and Jennifer Rooke, Graham and Cassie Rooke, Jeff Zinger, and Julie McCullough. He is also survived by a sister, Ruth Zimmerman of Cleveland, OH and many nieces and nephews.

A visitation for Mr. Rooke will be held on Thursday, February 17, 2011 from 5 p.m. - 8 p.m., at the North Chapel of George A. Smith and Sons, and resume on Friday at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, from 9 a.m. until the time of the service at 11 a,n.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations in Mr. Rooke's memory be made to United Way, or to the West TN Council of Boy Scouts.

George A. Smith and Sons North Chapel, (731) 427-5555; www.georgeasmithandsons.com