Robert Foote

Robert Lee "Bob" Foote, 83 years of age from Hastings, died on Sunday, March 30, 2014 at home surrounded by his loving family.

A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, April 5, 2014; 10:30 A.M. at First Presbyterian Church, Hastings with Rev. Dr. William Nottage-Tacey officiating. Burial with military rites by Hastings Veterans Organizations will be in Parkview Cemetery, Hastings, Nebraska. Visitation will be Thursday, April 3, 2014; 9:00 A.M. - 5:00 P.M., Friday, April 4, 2014; 9:00 A.M. - 8:00 P.M. with family present 5:00 P.M. - 7:00 P.M. at the funeral home, and one hour prior to service at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the Hastings Community Foundation in the name of Robert L. Foote.

Bob was born on January 12, 1931 in Hastings to Robert G. & Garnet J. (Campbell) Foote. Bob lived in Hastings, the city he loved, all but 4 years of his life. After graduating from Hastings Senior High in 1948, he attended Hastings College. He graduated from the University of Nebraska in 1954 with a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration. Bob served in the United States Air Force Reserve as a Staff Sergeant from 1951-1953. Bob met his beautiful wife, Jane, of 60 years at Love Library on the campus of the University of Nebraska. They married on June 26, 1953. His children Becky, Amy & Bob filled his heart with happiness and he loved being a part of the lives of his 5 Grandchildren. One of his favorite things was attending their sporting events. Bob took pride in caring for his lawn and planning his high school reunions. He also looked forward to attending Husker Football games, hardly ever missing a home game. Following in his father's footsteps, he served as President and owner of several businesses: Big G Auto Service Center (which originated as Fleet Foote Oil in December of 1930), Big G Ace & Appliance, and Bumper To Bumper (Champion Auto Parts). Bob never retired, as he went into work every day until January 2014. Bob was a member of the First Presbyterian Church for over 70 years. He was an Eagle Scout with Troop #200. While at the University of Nebraska he was a member of the Beta Theta Pi Fraternity. His pride in Hastings was evident during his life as he served on many boards, committees and fundraising projects. Bob was Past-President of: Noon Rotary, Big Brothers, Hastings Corporation, Hastings Housing Authority, Community Chest (United Way) and other organizations. He helped establish Hastings Economic Development Corporation, the Business Improvement District, and Downtown Center Association. Bob was a member of several Boards: Hastings College Board of Trustees, Hastings Public Schools Foundation, First Presbyterian Church Deacon, Elder and Trustee Boards, Heritage Bank (City National Bank), Hastings Chamber of Commerce, Nebraska Chamber of Commerce, Nebraska Association of Commerce & Industry, Nebraska Broadcasting Corporation, and the Air Force Advisory Council. He was part of the advisory committees for: Central Community College and Mary Lanning Memorial Hospital. Bob was a member of and involved with: Hastings High School Class of 1948 Reunion, Downtown Redevelopment, Hastings City Auditorium Renovation, Hastings Historic Walking Tour, Adams County Historical Society Post Card Book, Lochland Country Club, Elks Club, American Legion, Masonic Lodge #50, Nebraska Retail Association, National Hardware Association, National Tire Dealers, National Appliance Retail Dealers, Nebraska Diplomats, Hastings Jaycees and Hastings Police Department Redevelopment. Bob was involved in several fund drives including: YMCA, Central Community College, Hastings City Auditorium, IMAX and Highland Park Arboretum & Pavilion. Over the years Bob received many community honors: Junior Chamber Distinguished Service, State Jaycees Nebraska Outstanding Young Man, Hastings Jaycees Boss of the Year, YWCA Employer of the Year, Rotary Paul Harris Fellow, Sertoma Service to Mankind, Chamber of Commerce Community Service and Pioneer Awards, Nebraska Retailer of the Year, Arthritis Foundation Humanitarian of the Year, and Hastings College Pro Rege Society. Bob will be best remembered as a caring and generous man who loved people and the community of Hastings.

Bob was preceded in death by his Father, Robert G. Foote, Mother, Garnet J. (Campbell) Foote, Sister, Rachel (Foote) Wakeman, Brother, Richard K. "Dick" Foote, Father-in-Law & Mother-in-Law, Leo W. & Ellen (Blanchard) Fletcher, Brother-in-Law, Roderick W. Fletcher, & several cousins.

Survivors include:
Wife:
Jane E. (Fletcher) Foote - Hastings, NE
Children & Spouses:
Rebecca E. Foote - Wood River, NE
Amy J. (Foote) & Bradley J. White - Omaha, NE
Robert F. & JoAnne M. (Ferrara) Foote - Hastings, NE
Grandchildren:
Brett W. White - Lincoln, NE
Jon R. White - Omaha, NE
Ellen M. Foote - Hastings, NE
Jared R. Foote - Hastings, NE
Robb F. Foote - Hastings, NE
Brother-in-law:
Richard "Dick" Wakeman and wife Judy - Indio, CA
Sister-in-laws:
Anne (Miles) Fletcher - Omaha, NE
Jeanne Foote - Kimberling City, MO
Others:
1 Niece, 6 Nephews, Cousins, numerous dear friends and dedicated Big G staff members