Bob German

Cowboy. Farmer. Soldier. Husband. Father. Teacher. Friend. Follower of Christ. These are some words to describe Bob German. Born in 1925, he witnessed the dust bowl. He saw the rolling dirt clouds on Black Sunday. He endured hunger, hard days, and the uncertainty only people of that era understand. Those lean years forged a love of family and community that would sculpt Bob’s life. In 1945 he answered his country’s call to service. He saw combat in Okinawa. He made and lost the types of friends only combat can create. He remembered them. He cared for them long after the guns fell silent. He ended every war story with “the real heroes never came home.” He was modest.  He saw the atomic aftermath of Hiroshima. He saw the burns. He buried the bodies. He saw man at his worst. He also saw man at this best while overseas. He saw simple acts of kindness between former enemies. He, and his fellow soldiers, fed the orphans of their former enemies with their own rations. He helped his former enemies rebuild.  With this service to his country complete, he returned home determined to live his remaining days in peace. He married the love of his life in 1949 – Wanda Lou Chase. He raised three children. He helped raise four grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. He farmed and ranched the land his family passed down. He drove the school bus. He served on the hospital board. He supported and cared for his local church. Most importantly, he taught those around him. He taught by example the quiet lessons of dignity, honesty, integrity and compassion. He loved and served his community. This community loved and served him back. Few are fortunate enough to choose where they complete life’s circle. As Bob German’s life began to fade, he chose to complete life’s circle where it began, in the community comprised of the people he knew and loved.  Always Thoughtful. Always Kind. Always of Unshakeable Faith. He lived in God’s grace and mentored others by his example. He will be missed and remembered. The lessons he taught will be passed on by those whose lives he touched. Bob was preceded in death by his parents, a baby sister Theta J. German; his loving wife Wanda Lou German of 63 years.  His family and community have lost a cherished member. But, heaven has gained an angel, and is improved by his presence there.  Bob went to be with his Lord and Savior on July 5, 2015, after a short stay in the Harper County Community Hospital.   Bob leaves as his survivors his three children: Sheryl German of Friendswood, Texas, Randy & Nona German of Circleville, Kansas, Sally German of Pensacola, Florida; four grandchildren, 4 great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and other relatives, and a host of friends.