Joseph Alfred “Red” Robert, 69, of Iola died Sunday, Feb. 20, 2011, at his home.
He was born Jan. 12, 1942, in North Adams, Mass., to Roland J. and Rose A. (Fournier) Robert. He grew up in Ramona, Calif., where he graduated from Ramona High School in 1959. He joined the U.S. Air Force that same year and served for four years, including 18 months when he was stationed at NATO in Turkey with radio communications.
Following his honorable discharge from the service, he returned to Ramona where he married Virginia Ellen Brown on Feb. 9, 1968. They made their home in California for 20 years, Oregon for 20 years and Iola for four years moving here after he retired as a machinist.
He was a member of Iola Amateur Radio Club and Stormwatchers in Iola. Besides his ham radio and storm spotting, he also enjoyed drag racing.
He is survived by his wife of the home; a son, David Kelly and his wife, Wanda, Cornelius, Ore., a daughter, Yvette Marie Benton, Forest Grove, Ore.; five grandchildren, Samantha Janiece Benton, Gwendolyn Faith Robert, Andrew Joseph Benton, Rose Gabrielle Robert and Mykayla Ellen Benton; three brothers, John, Shelton, Wash., James, Chandler, Ariz., and Paul, Los Angeles, Calif.; and two sisters, Marie Horner, Milwaukee, Wis., and Sandra Pacelli, Miami, Okla.
A sister, Simonne Bouschow, died earlier.
Cremation has taken place.
Memorial services will be at 2 p.m. Thursday at the Waugh-Yokum & Friskel Memorial Chapel in Iola.
Memorials to American Cancer Society or Iola Amateur Radio Club may be left at the funeral home. Online condolences for the family may be left at iolafuneral.com.
‘Red’ Robert
