Robert Van Hull

Robert V. Hull passed on to his heavenly home on July 8th, 2015. He was born at home to Otto and Mildred (Holt) Hull on March 28th, 1927. Robert grew up in Mountain Grove, MO. During high school his family moved to California where he and his parents worked assembling “Victory” ships. Production was as high as one ship completed per week! Their family came to the NW, settling in Selah, WA. Robert joined the Army Air Corps during WWII, serving in the Aleutian Islands, AK. Post-war he attended Yakima Business College where he met Marlene Johnson. They were married on Feb. 23rd, 1952 and enjoyed 63 years of marriage, and were blessed with 5 children.

Robert worked at Hanford and later owned a fruit orchard in Selah. He became an entrepreneur in real estate and land development. He was involved in business and civic groups over the years, most recently with Yakima Co-Op. His family attended church regularly over the years at Selah Bible Baptist, Trinity Baptist and lately at Open Heart Baptist Church. His love for and faith in God was displayed by his concern and support of those in his personal sphere as well as for missions worldwide. He was always ready to encourage, give advice or entertain with stories drawn from his personal experience. Daddy was known for his storytelling. We are sure he is now sharing them with a heavenly audience.

Robert and Marlene love to be surrounded by their loved ones. Fishing and camping trips to the coast with their close friends were a favorite summer activity. They would make an annual trip to Mountain Grove, MO to visit family and friends, often staying a month or more. An affable fellow, his happy moods often overflowed with melodic whistling which we all loved. Also a talented gardener, he enjoyed growing roses, melons and had a pumpkin patch from which the grandkids could choose a pumpkin each fall. He loved his family and will be greatly missed, especially each Dec. 24th with the family tradition of reading the Christmas Story from Luke Chapter 2.

He is preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his sister Loeta (Oliver) Trout of Yakima, Marlene his wife, daughter Alicia (Dick) Burke of Selah, daughter Lorraine (Jeff) Johnston of Selah, son Bruce (Karen) Hull of Yakima, daughter Linda (John) Hurley of Lincoln City, OR, son Larry (Pia) Hull of Yakima, and grandchildren: Loran and Nyree, Lance and Jolene, Aubrey and Jared, Lindsey and Josh, Laura, Leanna and Caleb, Shelby, Sam, Sofia, Daniel, Olivia, Anna and Emily, and great grandchildren: Ken, Steve, Shaylin, Erin, Kehl, Abby, Cameron, Chloe, Caitlin, Brayden, Waylon, Stella, great-great grandchildren: Lily and Ryker, and many nieces and nephews. We wish to also include Dave Mabee and Vicki Scatena who are dear friends and considered family.

The family is making a memory book of Robert’s life. Friends and family are encouraged to share their memories of Robert through written stories and photos. They may be brought to the memorial service or sent to P.O. Box 8078, Yakima, WA 98908, or emailed to hullfamily62@gmail.com. The family would like to thank the doctors, nurses and chaplain at Yakima Regional Hospital’s ICU unit for their compassionate care.

Viewing will be held at Keith and Keith from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Friday, July 10th.

A graveside service will be held at Terrace Heights Memorial Park on Saturday, July 11th at 11:30 followed by a 1:00 p.m. memorial service and potluck dinner at Wiley Union Church, 2711 Wiley Rd., Yakima.