Robert Lee Gresham, 79, son of Henry Palace and Nettie Beatrice (Morgan) Gresham, was born Aug. 30, 1923, on the Gresham home place near Taberville, and passed from this life on Saturday, May 3, 2003, at Research Medical Center, Kansas City.
Bob attended Ruark School near Taberville through the eighth grade. On Dec. 30, 1942, he was united in marriage to Alta L. Schaeffer. To their union, one son and two daughters were born. Later, in 1973, he married Ruth O'Brien and became step-father to her two sons and three daughters. Bob farmed and worked as a mechanic most of his life. During WWII, he served our country in the Army Air Corp where he was awarded the American Service medal, the Asiatic Pacific Service medal, the Philippines Liberation ribbon, the WWII Victory medal and the Good Conduct medal.
He leaves to mourn his pass¬ing three sisters - Virginia Mann - Lebanon, and Virgie (Mrs. Noah) Shaw and Dorothy Kramer - both of El Dorado Springs; eight children - Robert J. Gresham - Falls City, NE, Sharon L. (Gresham) Boatman, and Janice L. (Gresham) Kenley - both of Beatrice, NE, Joseph O'Brien - El Dorado Springs, Jeanie (O'Brien) Knaus - Pembine, WI, Mary O'Brien and Peggy O'Brien - both of Harrisonville, and David O'Brien - Kansas City; 20 grandchildren; 28 great-grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews; and many friends.
Bob was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, Roy Ray; one great-granddaughter; and one great-grandson.
Bob was loved but not forgotten. He's gone fishing and is sitting on a quiet riverbank somewhere.
Graveside memorial services with military honors were Thursday, May 8, in the Pleasant Grove Cemetery near Taberville, with Rev. Don Bliss officiating. Musical selections are "The River" and "The Dance" by Garth Brooks. Services and cremation were under direction of Lewis-Hoagland Funeral Home, Schell City.
