Robert Randall Gathman, 99, of Davenport, passed away on Thursday, November 3, 2022, at Ridgecrest Village. A funeral service will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, November 10, 2022, at New Life Baptist Church, Davenport. Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. until time of service. Burial will follow at Davenport Memorial Park Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be left to New Life Baptist Church. Online condolences may be expressed at www.weertsfh.com
Robert was born on September 25, 1923, in Mercer County, MO to Herbert and Vivian (Bussell) Gathman. He graduated from Princeton High School in 1942. Robert proudly served in the United States Army from February 1943 to December 1945 as a tank driver and bow gunner on a Sherman tank. On June 6, 1944, D-Day, Robert landed on Utah Beach with his outfit, Company A of the 746th Tank Battalion. They fought five campaigns: Normandy, Northern France, Ardennes, Central Europe, and Rhineland. Robert was a decorated veteran, receiving the Distinguished Presidential Unit Badge, five battle bronze stars, the Bronze Arrowhead, Purple Heart, and Good Conduct Medal.
Robert united in marriage to Emma Shimak on July 10, 1949, in the Little Brown Church at Nashua, IA. She preceded him in death on November 2, 2014, after 65 years together. Robert worked as a Fuel System Distribution Foreman at the Rock Island Arsenal, retiring in January 1987 after 40+ years. He was a charter member of New Life Baptist Church, serving as a deacon. In retirement Robert took pleasure in visiting and managing his father’s farm in Missouri. He also enjoyed gardening and traveling with his wife and family. On October 10, 2009, he took part in the Honor Flight to Washington D.C.
Survivors include his three children, Wayne Gathman of Denver, CO, Rita (Bruce) Warhurst of Bettendorf, and James (Tamera) Gathman of Rochester, MN; six grandchildren, Timothy (Sarah) Gathman, Samuel Gathman, Lauryn (Joseph) Jeffries, Michael Warhurst, Tyler Gathman and Nicole Gathman; five great-grandchildren; a niece, Carol Hein, and sister-in-law, Louise Harter.
Robert was preceded in death by his parents, wife, and sister, Mildred Wyman.
