Robert Kleagle Gist

Robert Kleagle Gist, 83, of Owensboro passed away Tuesday, May 26, 2009 at his daughter's home in Roseville, CA. Born August 28, 1925 in Daviess County, Bob worked as a young man for 16 years at Gabe's Restaurant as a chef. He and his wife, Ruth, then owned and operated Ruth and Bob's Restaurant at the corner of 9th and Crittenden Streets. Wonderful home cooking was served by "Bob" for 42 years. Ruth Martin, his much loved wife and mother to Mary Janice, died in l960. For many years Bob would go to California twice a year to be with his only daughter and her family. He was so excited to travel with them to Hawaii, Europe and Asia. A meaningful trip was made to Normandy France at the 50th anniversary of D-day to the gravesite of his brother, Coolidge.

Bob was an Army veteran of World War II. He served in the European Theater of Operations in France, Belgium, Holland and Germany. He was in the field artillery and was wounded at the Battle of the Bulge. Bob was the youngest of nine brothers and sisters.

Surviving are his daughter and son-in-law, Mary Janice and Dr. James Dunn of Roseville, CA; grandsons, Robert Derek Dunn and wife Elizabeth, Dr. David Todd Dunn and wife Connie, and Dr. Marc Cody Dunn and wife Charmain. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews. Bob was very proud of his family--especially his five great-granddaughters, and two great-grandsons.

Along with being a wonderful cook, he enjoyed English gardening and furnishing his home with antique furniture and clocks. He loved the people of Owensboro, and enjoyed being recognized and talked to by past customers when out and about.

A celebration of Mr. Gist's life will be 12 p.m. Saturday, June 6, 2009 at Glenn Funeral Home. All friends and former customers are invited. Military honors will be rendered by VFW Post 696 and a funeral detail from Ft. Campbell.

Expressions of sympathy may take the form of donations to Fisher House Foundation, Inc., which supports severely wounded veterans and their families, 111 Rockville Pike, Suite 420, Rockville, MD 20850, or their website at www.fisherhouse.org.

Online condolences may be left at www.glennfuneralhome.com.