Johnston, Robert 'Bob' A.

Robert “Bob” A. Johnston, 68, of rural Anamosa, formerly of Cedar Rapids, died peacefully at home on Sunday, June 9, 2013, following a short illness. Memorial services will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, June 15, at Brosh Chapel in Cedar Rapids, located at 2121 Bowling St. SW, where full military rites will be provided by the Patrick Shanahan VFW Post #788.

Bob was born July 2, 1944, in Cedar Rapids, the son of Karl and Dorothy (Scott) Johnston. He served in the U.S. Army, First Armed Division, from 1967 to 1969 and was awarded a Purple Heart for contributions made in the Vietnam War. He was a life member of the VFW #788. Bob worked at Bowker Mechanical for many years. He was a member of Local 125, United Association of Plumbers and Pipe fitters and recently received recognition of 50 years service. In his short retirement, Bob enjoyed escaping the Iowa winters with his wife to Arizona where they spent time undertaking various building-improvement projects, fishing and riding their motorcycle.

Robert is survived by his wife, Cheryl; a daughter, Kelly Johnston of Porthcawl, Wales; stepchildren, Gary (Cheryl) Rains of Atkins, Lisa (George) Almazan of Tucson, Ariz., Scot Rains of Davenport and Mark (Joyce) Rains of Cresco; 17 grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; a brother, Kenneth (Beverly) of Aitkin, Minn.; a sister, Bonnie Montgomery of Vinton; and his best bud, Barry.

He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Duane and Larry; and a son, Brett.

Memorials may be directed to the family.

Online condolences may be expressed to the family .

Published in The Gazette June 11, 2013.