Robert King

Hastings resident, Robert "Bob" E. King, 82, died Wednesday, June 8, 2011 at his home.

Robert wishes were cremation and private family services and burial. In lieu of flowers memorials may be given to the Nebraska Nature and Visitor Center, 9325 South Alda Road, Wood River, Nebraska 68883.

Bob King was born in Beatrice, Nebraska on November 10, 1928. He was the son of Jesse Floyd King & Sarah Ann Elliott. He and his brother, Bill, attended school in Beatrice until 1943, when their mother died. Following her death, Bob, his brother, and his father moved to Hastings. Bob graduated from Hastings High School in 1946. Following graduation, he began working in the local trucking business. He was hired by B. and B. Freight Lines to do local deliveries. During that time, he met and married Theo A. (Pat) Sypherd. Their daughter, Sally Ann, was born the following year. Bob's next job was with Interstate Freight Lines, where he handled local deliveries. Bob began working for Debus Bakery in the mid 1950's, selling and delivering bread to Hastings and the surrounding communities. In the late 1950's, Bob was hired by Interstate Freight Lines and served as Assistant Manager. When the firm was sold and became Bee Line Interstate Motor Freight, Bob became Manager. He retired in 1978 as the firm's Terminal Director for the State of Nebraska. During retirement, Bob was hired by Dutton- Lainson Company in 1979, to set up the firm's first trucking division. Later, he worked as a salesman for General Glass. Bob's talent as a welder enabled him to create metal sculptures using a plasma cutter. Among the designs he originated were Sand Hills Cranes for the Audubon Society, pheasants, quail and other wildlife images. He also designed seasonal metal art work, such as cupids, hearts, black cats and elves. These hand crafted pieces were often used as lawn ornaments. Bob's lifelong love of wildlife and the outdoors brought him to the Crane Meadows Nature Center, where he served as a volunteer. Bob delighted in taking his family on yearly vacations to the western states. They camped, fished and visited historic sites and National Parks together, creating cherished lifelong memories. He was a loving husband and father, who was always willing to lend a helping hand to friends and neighbors.

Robert E. King was preceded in death by his parents.

SURVIVORS:
Wife: Theo "Pat" King - Hastings, NE
Daughter & Son-in-law: Sally & Carl Yanagawa - Maui, HI
Brother & Sister-in-law: C.W. "Bill" & Ellen King - Willits, CA
Niece: 1
Nephews: 2