Robert Davis Widdicombe

RESIDENCE HISTORY: Bob and Ella lived on an eighty-acre farm in Sarpy County (south of Omaha) for forty-three plus years, moving to Ottawa in 1994 to be close to family. EDUCATION: Robert graduated from Vinton Elementary and North High School, Omaha, Nebraska, in 1940, and Cornell School for Restaurant Management. OCCUPATION & BUSINESS: He operated the E. O. Furen Jewelry Store in Omaha, Nebraska, and worked later in food service in various restaurants, hospitals, and Offutt Air Force Base, all in Omaha. GOVERNMENT SERVICE: Bob served two and one-half years, from July of 1942, to December of 1945, with the United States Marines in the South Pacific, landing on Relieu, Woodlark, and Gloucester. His battalion left the states with 15,000 men, 600 returned. There is now one left. MEMBERSHIPS: He was a member of First Christian Church in Ottawa and sang in the choir. He was a member of the American Legion in Springfield, Nebraska, and active with the Sarpy Serenaders Barbershop group in Bellevue. MARRIAGE: On June 23, 1956, Robert was united in marriage with Ella Rachel Dillon at Wheeler Presbyterian Church in Omaha, Nebraska, sharing almost forty-eight years together. She survives of their home. SERVICES: Funeral services will be held from the Dengel & Son Mortuary 3:00 p.m. Thursday, June 10, 2004. OFFICIATING CLERGY: Rev. Katrina Palan. IN STATE: Mr. Widdicombe will lie in state at the Dengel & Son Mortuary after 5:00 p.m. Tuesday to the service hour. CEMETERY: Highland Cemetery, Ottawa, Kansas. MEMORIALS: The family suggests memorials to First Christian Church, Ottawa, c/o Dengel & Son Mortuary, 235 S. Hickory, Ottawa, Kansas 66067. Condolences may be e-mailed to the family through dengelmortuary@sbcglobal.net.