Robert (Bob) Louis Wasson entered into eternal life on Friday, October 19, 2018, at the age of 96. His passing was too quick for the family, but Bob was always known for being in a hurry once he made his mind up. He was always a loving husband, a caring father/grandfather, and a man to be looked up to by his wealth of family and friends.

He was born in the small town of Linden, Iowa on March 2, 1922, the oldest his parents’--Virgil & Helen (Hockett) Wasson—three sons and one daughter. After graduating from Redfield High School in 1940, he enlisted in the Navy. While on leave from boot camp, Bob maintained his physical fitness by chinning on the swinging bridge south of Panora. It was here that he met and fell in love with the love his life.

However, duty called and he was off to see the world. Bob was initially assigned to the USS Texas which primarily patrolled the North Atlantic. When WWII was declared, Bob was shipped to a variety of locations to include France, Germany, England, Scotland, Italy, Iceland, Algeria, Canada, and Bermuda. He also spent time in Pacific (Bikini) where the initial atom bomb testings occurred. At the end of his six year enlistment, he returned to Iowa to marry the girl of his dreams--Imajean (Jean) Trent—on December 24, 1946.

After two years in the civilian world, Bob decided to join the Coast Guard. During his service, he was stationed in Chattanooga, TN; Pourtaux Basque, Newfoundland; Toledo, OH; Sandusky, OH; Marblehead, OH; Annette Island, AK; Staten Island, NY; and Miami, FL. In 1963, Bob retired from the Coast Guard with 23 years as Chief Commissary Man. The next nine years, he continued to serve on a civilian basis at Homestead Air Force base.

In 1972, Bob purchased a farm in Redfield, IA and began his second career in farming. These years were grounded in family time as the farm was a short distance from many, many family members and just a mile from his brother’s home. He was also an active member of Mason Lodge #121 and had served as Worshipful Master in 1976. Bob retired from farming in 1980, and while there were some part time/seasonal jobs held, most of his time was focused on retirement in the town of Winter Garden, FL. Retirement was active. He and Jean took up square dancing, traveled the country via RV, cruised to exotic ports, and actively participated in various community activities.

The strong, quiet type is the best description of Bob. He was a kind, gentle, loving man and a guiding force for many. He was quick to gently tease with a twinkle in his bright blue eyes. He was devoted to his family and friends. All animals gravitated to Bob--both farm animals and pets—and each answered their special nicknames while waiting for a friendly pat. His thumb was an obvious bright green as could be seen in the bountiful fruits, vegetables, crops, and flowers produced. He never met a book that he didn’t like and there was always time for an afternoon nap. He will forever be missed, but never forgotten. The family wishes you “fair winds and following seas” until we joyously reunite in heaven.

Bob is survived by his beautiful wife, Jean, of nearly 72 years. Together they raised four children; Jeannie Jenkins (husband Gary), James (wife Gayla), Anne del Castillo, and William (predeceased—wife Mary). Bob was very proud of his growing family that included seven grandchildren, ten great-grandchildren with #11 on the way, and five great, great-grandchildren with #6 on the way. Additionally, there are many, many nieces, nephews, in-laws, friends and family members that are too many to list, but not forgotten.

Friends and folks Bob would love to have met can visit with the Wasson family in the Community Center at Hyde Park where Bob and Jean spent their retirement years. The Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, January 13, 2019 beginning at 2:00PM. Location is 14253 West Colonial Drive, Winter Garden, Florida, 34787. Bob will be laid to rest in West Linn Cemetery (Linden, Iowa) with many of the Wasson decedents. Information regarding the burial service will be shared at the memorial service.

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