Robert "Bob" Ripley's Obituary
Robert “Bob” Ripley of Tyler, TX passed away Sunday, May 31, 2020 at the home of his son in Longview. Robert was born to Bruce Lewis Ripley and Muriel Marie Barnes on October 22, 1939 in Los Angeles, CA. After graduation from Leuzinger High School in Hawthorne, CA in 1957, he played one season of football at UCLA before enlistment in the United States Air Force in June 1958. Robert married his high school sweetheart, Vada Gaylene Woods, on September 28, 1958 in Los Angeles and served in the United States Air Force from 1958-1962.
Receiving an honorable discharge from the United States Air Force, Bob returned home to Los Angeles, CA to begin his career with Anheuser-Busch Brewing Company. In 1970, he was transferred to Jacksonville, FL in a Quality Control capacity. An opportunity called in 1974 from Schlitz Container Division in Longview, TX and another opportunity in 1979 with Metal Box-Standun in Carson, CA. Bob’s skills and talents in the manufacturing of metal containers and the associated production equipment were a perfect blend as he accepted a position as a Customer Service Engineer with ALCOA in 1983. Traveling domestically and internationally with ALCOA, Bob was based out of Plano, TX, Newburgh, IN, and Fontana, CA before retiring to Tyler, TX in 2002.
Bob was active at Pollard United Methodist Church of Tyler, participated in projects through the Salvation Army, mentored and tutored elementary school children through a program with Tyler ISD, volunteered time and smiles through Meals On Wheels, and was involved in various ministries and activities through Pollard UMC.
Bob was preceded in death by his parents, his step-father Richard Welty, and his grandson Robert Earl Crites.
Left to cherish his memory are his wife of over 61 years, Vada Gaylene Ripley, now of Longview; son Craig Ripley and his wife Cathy; son Bruce Ripley and his wife Terri; daughter Denise Crites and her husband David; grandchildren Derek Ripley, Abby Saunders and her husband Justin, Jessica Karakaya and her husband Metin, and Timothy Crites; Great-Grandchildren Layla, Henry, Nora, and Archer Saunders, and Caleb and Remi Karakaya; siblings Steve Ripley and wife Rosie, Carol Lutes and husband Roy, and Marilyn Culbertson.
The family is very appreciative of the care and compassion of all those involved with Christus TMF Encompass Rehab Hospital in Tyler and PrimeCare Hospice in Longview. Even in these difficult times, we have been extremely blessed.
In lieu of flowers, if you are inclined to give in Robert’s memory, please consider donations to your Local Food Bank or a Meals on Wheels program.
Private Memorial Services have been planned
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