Robert E. "Bob" Bear

BEAR, Robert E. "Bob"
of Portage, Michigan Passed away Wednesday morning, July 2, 2014 at Rose Arbor Hospice. Bob was born June 17, 1928 in Stephenson County, Illinois, the son of Edward L. and Bessie Little Bear. He was a graduate of Forreston Illinois Community High School and the University of Illinois at Champaign Urbana. He served four years in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War Era. Bob was a member Berean Baptist Church and had been a Portage resident since 1963. Prior to his retirement he was employed by First of America Bank Corporation as a Regional Loan Review Manager. On June 15, 1958 he married the former Joyce Frances Smith, who survives. Also surviving are one son, Philip Diana Bear of Ypsilanti, MI; 2 grand-daughters, Laura and Sarah Bear; a brother, Delbert; sister, Shirley Amodeo; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents; four sisters; and a brother. Bob enjoyed playing golf and bridge, reading, and traveling with Joyce. He was especially interested in Civil War history. The family will receive friends on Monday, July 7 from 2-4 and 6-8pm at the Langeland Family Funeral Homes, Westside Chapel, 3926 South 9th Street, where a service to celebrate Bob's life will be held at 11:00am Tuesday, July 8 with Pastor Bill Abernathy officiating. Private family interment will be held in Ft. Custer National Cemetery. Memorials may be directed to Berean Baptist Church or the Portage Community Center.