Robert "Bob" Lowell Roop

Robert Lowell “Bob” Roop, age 95, died Saturday, April 20, 2024, from natural causes. He is preceded in death by his parents, Lowell and Mae Roop of Oregon, his wife of 73 years, Vera, and his daughter, Rena Searles of Olympia, WA. He is survived by his daughter, Robin Smith of Bellevue, WA, his son, James Roop and his wife, Carolee of Walla Walla. He also leaves behind nine grandchildren (David, Monica, Jesse, Wesley, Casi, Courtney, Stephen, Patrisha, and Lance), as well as numerous great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Bob was born January 14, 1929, in Wallowa, Oregon. He attended Wallowa, Oregon, schools, graduating from Wallowa High School in 1947. He married his high school sweetheart (Vera Barton) in 1950. They eventually settled in Walla Walla, and together, they raised their three children (Rena, Robin, and Jim).

Bob enjoyed golfing, family, history, and a good story. He was an avid reader and the master of tidbits of trivia and local and historical knowledge; he loved a good joke, too! In his last years, he was especially fond of his pet cats and always fed the neighborhood strays (and an occasional opossum)!

Bob was an Air Force veteran, serving in the Korean War in the early 50’s. He started his career with the Union Pacific Railroad before his time with the AirForce and continued shortly after returning from the overseas. He retired from his position as an engineer with Union Pacific in 1989 after 42 years of employment.

Bob loved being with his family. He was a very loving husband, father, son, and grandfather. He loved visiting with family and friends, discussing politics, and always having a story or joke to share. He was surrounded by his family when he left this earth. We think he missed his wife, Vera, who passed away in February, and so he went to be with her. He lived a long and full life and has left us all with a great legacy.

Private Family Inurnment will be held at a later date

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Herring Groseclose Funeral Home. Friends and family are invited to sign the online guestbook at www.herringgroseclose.com.