Robert Alan Hope

HOPE, ROBERT ALAN Robert Alan Hope, age 94, passed away May 31, 2013 in Kalamazoo. Bob was born February 13, 1919 in Kalamazoo, Michigan, the son of Frank and Mildred Bonnell Hope. He was a lifelong area resident and graduated from Kalamazoo Central High School in 1937. Bob served in the U.S. Marine Corps during WW II at Iwo Jima, Volcano Island and was awarded the Purple Heart. In 1939 he was united in marriage to Betty Mary Schau Hope. For 44 years he was employed by Checker Motors as a foreman and superintendent of the sheet metal department, retiring in 1982. Bob and his wife, Betty spent over 30 years wintering in Palmetto, Florida where they were avid golfers. In February of 2013 he was preceded in death by his wife of 73 years, Betty Mary Hope. Surviving are his daughter, Linda Mary Hope Sawall and her husband Robert; two grandsons, Robert Sawall and his wife Noreen, Mark Sawall and his wife Daniela; six great-grandchildren, Corey, Lachlan, Sierra and Shawna Sawall, Mike and Max Dion. Private graveside services were held Thursday, June 6th at Hope Cemetery, Texas Corners with full military honors. Memorials in Bob's memory may be directed to the First Church of Christ Scientist, 1225 Portage St., Kalamazoo, MI 49001. Arrangements by Langeland Family Funeral Homes.