My father in law was a wonderful man. He was a true gentleman. I loved visiting him in Washington for his famous burger sauce and clam dip. He always had music playing and a ball game on. Papa Bob made sure the grandkids had their 2.00 bills, which would make them always smile and ask, “Are these real?” He always said, “Better to keep it in the top half than the bottom half.” Every time I look at my gas gauge I think of him saying this!  I will forever cherish our ocean trips, which will remain my favorite memories of all. One time when Sandra and him were down in Elko Bob wanted to go look for Mahogany trees. I was pregnant with Brandon at the time, but went with him and Will anyways. It was the roughest drive up north I had ever been on, but the stories Bob told that day was worth it! Every visit with him was treasured whether here or in Washington. There are so many great memories from over the years that I will treasure forever. I am so grateful and blessed that he was my father in law. He will be greatly missed.

I remember about my Papa that he would always come to my basketball and soccer games. I used to go over to their house when my Mom was at work and play rodeo while watching bull riding on TV. He was always nice and gave us a hug or handshake when we saw him. He always asked about school or sports and was happy to see us. I will always remember Papa and I miss him. 

Thaiden

If you called him your friend,
He was the best you ever had.
But I was the lucky one,
Cuz I got to call him Dad.

It has been an honor to be his daughter
and I miss him everyday.

I don't quite have specific memories to share, although there are thousands of them. So many simple moments and plenty of profound ones- my Grandpa always had a presence. The kind of presence that is gentle, loved and rejoiced in. Or the kind that is convincing, real, but never over-bearing. It was always centered in the now and in hindsight.. exactly what was needed. 

He was a beautiful soul and it was felt through his smile, his voice (whether singing or telling stories), his support. In his relationships, his taste in music, his appreciation for simplicity and optimism. I can't ever remember a time I saw him angry, even when it may have been warranted. I always admired his ability to be collected and in-tune. He knew when lessons were upon us and welcomed them. He knew when he would be the one teaching a lesson and it was always with compassion and empathy. 

Grandpa was a part of every moment shared. He would tell anyone and everyone he was proud of them and celebrate their accomplishments while also loving them at their lowest. He cared deeply, he wanted to see the good in all beings. He did see the good, in most things. What a beautiful gift. 

My memories involve meals and gatherings in his home with my Grandma (and family), picnics outside, ocean visits, trips to Elko, NV and him showing up to our sporting and school events. He gave high fives to all the players and wanted everyone to feel seen (there were many kids who needed that sort of support and they got it from someone else's Grandpa. I'm so proud it was mine!) And my other memories involve the same situations but with my own children. How wonderful it was to witness my sons be loved by him. How he always asked about their lives, with full interest and attentiveness. 

He was a gentleman, a devoted family man and an all-around sweetheart. I'm so lucky to have known him and had him be a big part of my life. He was an absolute blessing to us! Love you, Grandpa/Papa!

I will never forget the first time going to Bob and Sandra's house and meeting them. I was 17 and so nervous going to pick up my prom date Jordan. I was let in the house and greeted by her aunts mom and grandparents.  I was a little overwhelmed. I remember Bob making  a comment on what a prom might haved looked like for him and we all laghed. We took pictures outside had quick chats with everyone and we were on our way to prom. I will always remember Bob's sense of humor and amazing smile.

Uncle Bob was such a caring & kind man!! Always enjoyed when he would visit us in Nevada, but the one trip I made to Washington with my Mom, Grandma Grace, & Aunt Jane was so memorable! He & Aunt Sandra treated us all like queens, made sure we had everything we needed, & he gave the warmest hugs! Truly a gentleman with such a kind heart! I always enjoyed his love of history and story telling of his life! He was always interested in what everyone was doing in our family! He even stood in lines to buy Josh & Riley ammunition when that was hard to come by here in Nevada! We will always be grateful for Uncle Bob in our lives! 

My Dad was the best storyteller and he would spend hours sharing tales of his youth, about family, friends and neighbors. It was quite entertaining. Thankfully he wrote a book of family stories, as well as a collection of cowboy poetry. I treasure these!
Dad was a great role model to us kids growing up. When I was young I would ask his permission to go and do something, He would sometimes say, "Do whatever you want. Try to disobey that!" I thought he must really trust me to say that.
Another memory of Dad is when he'd listen to the Seattle Sonics play basketball on the radio. We had a large console stereo system in our living room, and he'd lie down on the green shag carpet and listen to Bob Blackburn call the plays. I'd listen with him for a bit, and sometimes change would fall out of his pocket.
I know my Dad loved me unconditionally.  He was one of a kind. I'll miss him, and appreciate all of the fond memories.  Love you, Dad!

The Best neighbor we ever had! My boys & I still talk about the John's family we love you guys and will never forget the time we spent as neighbors!

As far back as I can remember, my grandparents would take us on outings to the Elks club for dancing, club sandwiches, and Shirley temples. We’d get all dressed up and help Memaw choose her dancing shoes while Papa put on the exact same jeans, button up, and hat. Those are some of the fondest memories that I have of my Papa Bob. “I can’t dance” was not an answer he thought was acceptable. One of my favorite trips to the Elks was the first time he officially taught me to dance. He picked me up, balanced me on his toes, and spun me around the entire dance floor showing me the steps. I wasn’t very good but he had a unique patience that I wish to inherit some day soon. I don’t think I will have another dance partner quite like him. Thank you for giving me a love of country music and an appreciation for the waltz. I love you, Papa🤍

My Dad was an honest, hardworking family man. He didn’t have a mean bone in his body. And he didn’t need one. He had my Mom for that. He devoted his life to my mother Sandra more than sixty years ago. Together they devoted their lives to us kids. It’s been an honor to be a Johns kid.  He was a man of values and stuck to them. I will always try my best to do the same.

Bob Johns and his family meant a lot to me.  My grandparents, George and Margaret Coffman, lived across the street from them for decades.  We spent a lot of time at my grandparents, so we were frequent visitors to the Johns' home.  One of their daughters, Angela, is still a best friend, now for over 50 years!  I'll never forget the time we were playing in the Johns' living room and broke a chandelier.  I've never ran so fast back to my grandparents in my life!  Bob and his family have always been very supportive and welcoming of my husband Dominick Maniace.  We will both miss Bob very much.  My Mom and Grandmother now have another angel to cook for in heaven.

Papa Bob was a caring, gentle man who loved deeply. I'll never forget the summers when my sister and I would spend a couple of nights at memaw and papa's house and papa would make us milkshakes (sometimes chocolate just for me). About 2 years ago, papa gave me his guitar and I will forever cherish it. Sometimes I just sit in my room and strum random tunes with my grandpa in mind, now more than ever. It makes me feel closer to him while also closer to memories of times I'll never be a part of because I wasn't alive to remember. Plucking "Love me tender" by Elvis Presley, "Blackbird" by The Beatles,  "Cherry" by Harry Styles. Just acoustic tunes that remind me of him for no particular reason. I am so grateful to have had a grandfather like Papa Bob, his memories and life will be remembered by many. Oftentimes I can't put my feelings into words but I can find a song that can. As John Lennon and Paul McCartney wrote, "Though I know I'll never lose affection, For people and things that went before I know I'll often stop and think about them. In my life, I love you more." I Love you Papa Bob <3

To Mrs. Johns and family,
We loved and have so many fond memories of Mr. & Mrs. Johns at the Arctic Circle. I worked for Mr Johns for several years after graduating in 1965.  I can truly say it was a fantastic first job, and he such a wonderful boss. My sister Renee and brother Dean Denis enjoyed working at the Arctic Circle also, in fact just last week we were reminiscing about time spent at the Circle. 
We are so sorry for your loss  our prayers are with you at this time and always. 
Love,
Margie (Denis) Harper

PS;  Then they moved to Bremerton and we were able to take vacations out of Nevada. More fun Bob created!! Thanks Bob. 

I remember that Bob was instrumental in getting Biilie Sue and I to the Fairgrounds at 6 am to feed our 4-H animals. Then helping us get them ready to show.  Bob is, also, the one who took us on our first fishing trip to Bull Run Reservoir.  He was a fun guy.   Aulene Ratliff 

I  will remember Bob’s big smile and will hear his infectious laugh for as long as I live.  I never saw him in a bad mood - always so pleasant.  He enjoyed his family and I’m thankful for his love for Sandra.  That love made moving 700+ miles away possible.  I loved our trips to visit.  One memory was when Bob took us to a Mariners game and after standing in the “wrong ticket line” he sprinted to the right one and we all made it in for the game.  Another memory was taking us girls out in his boat and we went exploring on an island close by (I don’t remember the name) and going clam digging at Ilahee State Park.  He and Sandra were always up to showing their visitors a great time.  Bob until we meet again I will TRY to always be pleasant :) 

Dad was a good man and he lived a good life. He had an exceptional moral compass. He was gentle, but he stood up for what he believed in. He taught his children and grandchildren to know right from wrong. 
Dad grew up in a small town in Nevada. His grandparents had a ranch and he learned the value of hard work and taking pride in the job at hand. Another lesson he instilled in his children.
My parents were completely devoted to one another. They always treated each other with love and respect. One warm night, my parents were sitting on the front porch holding hands. My high school friend came over and she mentioned their canoodling behavior. I was a little embarrassed but she told me it was "cool" to have parents that were still in love. 
Our family used to take Sunday drives, we went camping, on picnics, fishing and clam digging. Most of our long vacations were spent in Elko, Nevada visiting relatives.
One of dad's passions was music and more specifically country western music. He used to take us to Merit Mart where he shopped for a few new records. We had this huge Magnavox console stereo. He loved to listen to his new purchase. Once he retired, he learned how to burn vinyl records to CD. He then uploaded his CD's into iTunes. He has over 9000 of his favorite songs on his iPod. He also liked to give his friends the CD's that he made.
Dad was also a natural born story teller. Over the past 5 years, he wrote down his stories and last year I helped him publish his book. He was pretty proud of our accomplishment.
I will miss Bob. He was my father but he was also my friend. I feel very fortunate to have wonderful memories. 


There's so many memories to choose from, for which I am truly lucky to have shared so many fun times.  He was truly the best grandpa.  One time in elementary school, I came home sick.  Grandpa picked me up and took me back to their house.  I laid on the couch downstairs where he gave me a 7-up and a bowl of mini butterfingers.  We had many adventures together.  Story telling, Antiquing down in Portland and eating at our favorite restaurant down there, dancing at the Elks, Nevada adventures, Christmas mornings... I will miss you terribly, Grandpa, but I'm happy you are free.  I love you.  ❤️ 

I was grandfather-less from a young age, so growing up Bob was the ideal perfect grandfather figure to me. I was always jealous of my best friend Jovan, because she had the best grandparents. I feel very fortunate to have known Bob, and witnessed the love he had for his family and grandchildren.  

My deepest condolences to Sandra & family.  Bob & I worked together in the Service Department at Service Fuel from 1976-1985.  He truly was a joy to be around & work with......Service Fuel was like our second family!  I was just thinking about him the other day and was saddened to hear of his passing.  Fly high & rest in peace my friend..........

Anita Rourke Goodpasture

Bob was the most genuine, honest, kind, loving, caring and compassionate man you could ever want to know. I was lucky enough to know him for over 40 years. I will share a story that exemplifies his character. When my father passed away he was the first one to call me. He told me, “No one can ever replace your dad but I would be honored to be your second dad.” It meant the world to me. I was an adult orphan at that time having lost both my parents. Bob always made sure I knew I was a part of his family. I will miss this wonderful man but he will remain in my heart forever. Now that his time here on earth is through, he rides the range in the heavens. After the evening chores he plays his guitar, recites poetry, and tells stories  around the campfire! I love you Bob

Sorry to hear about Bob.  In your own lifetime you get to meet a wide variety of people that you remember for various reasons.  I remember Bob because I don't think I have ever met a nicer and decent man like him.  
 

I remember when Papa Bob would come down to visit us there was always lots of story’s told about when he was little and growing up in Mountain city, but the one I always remember is the one where his friend and him found a old model A or T in a mine and got it started and drove it out and one of the old guys at the bar took it from them. I always thought was such a awesome story and so cool to find a abandon car and get it running. 

OBITUARY

Robert Franklin Johns

January 30, 1936 – February 17, 2022

Miller-Woodlawn Funeral Home & Memorial Park

Show your support

Add a Memory

Share Obituary

Get Updates

Services