Robert (Bob) was born in Ord, Nebraska on February 23, 1924. He passed away on March 25th 2009 into the Lord's hands, with his loving family gathered around. Bob was born to Edward Joshua and Emma (Wilson) Van Cleave. Bob now joins his deceased parents, one brother Everett and one sister Flora Rose. He also had a baby brother who died at birth. Bob served in World War II in the 8th Air Force and was stationed in England at "Old Buckingham" Air Base in Norfolk, England. He was with the bomb group working on the maintenance on the B-24's. He served all of his time in England and grew very weary of eating lamb, to this day he couldn't eat lamb! He also had some great memories of his time served in England, borrowing food from the mess hall to take to the women in England who made pies and cakes for all of them. After the war Bob went to work for the Gas Company located in Ralston, Nebraska, and then a few years later was transferred to the Gas Company in Spencer, Iowa. He was a gas meter Technician for 32 years with the same company. It was in Spencer, Iowa he met and married Becky Williams of Grand Junction, Colorado. In 1969 he was transferred to Council Bluffs, Iowa where he worked in big meters there until his retirement in 1982. Bob made his home in Ralston, Nebraska – where he started his years working for the Gas Company, he lived there for 20 years before moving to Mount Vernon, in September 1989 to be close to his daughters and families. To this marriage their two daughters were born in Spencer, Iowa. Robyn in May of 1961 and Roxie in September of 1964. They have two grandchildren, Joshua Michael Ford and Stacy Danielle Griffith who are loved very much and Bob took great pride in his children and grandchildren, they were his joy and his life. His hobbies were his love of travel with his family. He also enjoyed old cars and had a great car collection. He enjoyed working in his yard and his shop. He never had many hobbies. He was a quiet man and loved and respected by all. He will be missed by all who loved him, but will be that star you see sparkling in the sky! Bob is survived by his wife Becky, daughters Robyn Richards and husband Charles, Roxie Griffith and husband Dave and her children, Josh Ford and Stacy Griffith. Viewing will be held Monday March 30, 2009, 10:00am followed by A Funeral Service at 11:00am at Hawthorne Funeral Home 1825 E College Way. A Graveside Service will follow at Hawthorne Memorial Park followed by a Reception in the Hawthorne Reception Room. Memorials may be made to the American Heart Association, American Diabetes Association or Skagit Hospice.