Robert Williamson Jr Obituary

The memorial service for Robert 'Bob' Williamson, Jr. , 92, of Aberdeen, SD, will be 3:00pm, Saturday, October 7, 2023, at Aldersgate Church, with Pastor Derek Baum officiating. Military honors will be provided by Sidney L. Smith American Legion Post 24. Bob died Monday, June 26, at Angelhaus, Aberdeen. Arrangements by Spitzer-Miller Funeral Home, 1111 South Main Street. Robert 'Bob' Williamson was born October 14, 1930, to Robert and Francis (Sowden) Williamson in Merchantville, NJ. Bob resided in Merchantville until the age of 14, where shortly after turning 14, his family moved to Los Angeles, CA, in search of warmer weather. Bob's father worked for the railroad in Riverside, CA. Bob attended and graduated Riverside Jr. High. After Bob's graduation from junior high, his family was notified that his home would be expropriated as part of eminent domain to build the 91 freeway. At age 16, Bob and family moved to Colton, CA. Bob graduated from Colton High School on June 9, 1949, and entered into the Naval Bootcamp, located in San Diego, CA, June 13, 1949. After graduating bootcamp, Bob was assigned to Damage Control School in Philadelphia, PA. Upon completing damage control school, he was assigned to the USS Sperry. Throughout his Naval career (which spanned 28 years), Bob also served on the USS Lipan, USS Grasp, USS Longview, USS Oriskany, USS Skagit, and river boats in Vietnam. Bob was most proud of his years of service to his Country, where he served four tours in Vietnam. He received a "Life Saving" medal for his efforts fighting a fire aboard the Oriskany, that had 5000 souls aboard. Bob was also awarded the 'Bronze Star' for commanding a riverboat on the Mekong River, South Vietnam. On May 19, 1951, Bob married the love of his life, Gloria H. Sawn, in Whittier, CA. Because Bob was in the US Navy, they lived in many cities including San Diego, CA, Washington D. C. , Vallejo, CA, Honolulu, HI, Imperial Beach, CA, Orlando, FL, Monterey Bay, CA, and Cerritos, CA. After his retirement from the Navy as a Lt. Commander (1975), Bob decided to secure employment with National Lumber in Fountain Valley, CA, in 1977. He moved on to work for Coastline Equipment in Long Beach, CA, before deciding it was time to be completely retired in 1992. Bob and Gloriamoved a couple of times in search of their retirement home, first to Ahwahnee, CA, and finally to Aberdeen, SD. During the numerous relocations and travels, Bob and Gloria raised four daughters, Cheryl Lynn, Carol Ann, Caren Louise, and Colleen Elaine. They additionally came to realize the joy of being grandparents to 23 grand and great-grandchildren. Bob was a member of the Free & Accepted Masons, the American Legion, United Methodist Churches in Casselberry, FL and La Mirada, CA, the Sierra Vista Presbyterian Church, Ahwanhee, CA, and First United Methodist Church in Aberdeen, SD. Bob's favorite hobby was wood working, but he also enjoyed cooking, reading, spending time with family and helping others. Bob and Gloria loved going to square dances together. They had a trailer and enjoyed camping, traveling and went on many cruises. Grateful for having shared Bob's life are four daughters: Cheryl (Marvin) McClain, Aurora, IL, Carol (Gary) Voss, Eagle, ID, Caren (Brian) Schreter, Aberdeen, SD, and Colleen (Ray) Martens, Garden Grove, CA; grandchildren: Shannon Ryan, Shawn Webb, Paul (Christy) Silva, Taylor (Kristin) Voss, Jaymie Voss, Corrine Keller, Christina (Clayton) Hoven, Patrick Daly and Sean Daly; great-grandchildren: James Ryan, Robert, Michael and Natalia Webb, Haleigh Silva, Audrey Silva, Avery Martinez, Brayden, Brooklyn, and Bennett Voss, Cayden Keller, and Cooper and Carrigan Hoven; and one great-great-grandson: Braxton. Preceding Bob in death are his parents: Robert R. and Frances D. Williamson (1980 & 1954); his wife: Gloria Williamson (2020); and a sister that died at birth (1932).