Robert E." Bob" Falls

Robert E.” Bob” Falls, age 80, of Thomson, Illinois, died Sunday, August 13, 2006 at home. Private Inurnment will be held at a later date.
Bob was born May 20, 1926, the son of Walter T. and Helen (Ritenour) Falls in Parke County, Indiana. Growing up in Thomson, Illinois, Bob attended local schools in the area.
Bob went into the United States Navy, where he served as a Motor Mechanic aboard LST #961 and #1102 in the Pacific Islands, Japan and China, delivering supplies and support to U.S. Troops and transporting troops out, following island battles. Bob returned home in 1946 and worked briefly as a farm hand, a brakeman for the Chicago Milwaukee, St. Paul & Pacific Railroad and an electricians apprentice for Shaner & Handel before moving to Corey’s where he did appliance repair and gas delivery for nineteen years.
On August 11, 1951 Bob married Mary Rogers in St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Savanna. In 1966, Bob began work for the U. S. Corp of Engineers as a towboat operator, retiring in June of 1986.
Bob was a member of the United States LST Association; the Illinois LST Association and the National Association of Retired Federal Employees. He enjoyed boating and spent many hours exploring the waters of the Mississippi River. Bob also enjoyed helping friends and neighbors, and tinkering on projects in his garage.
Bob is survived by his wife; a son, Robert L. Falls of Thomson; a daughter, Arly (Mick) Lipscomb of Irvine, Kentucky; a granddaughter, Shannon; three sisters, June Melton of Rotunda West, Florida, Mary Grohaing of Freeport, Illinois and Patricia (Carl) Orto of Loveland, Colorado; one brother, Jack (Berniece) Falls of Savanna; many nieces and nephews.
Bob was preceded in death by his parents, one sister and one brother.