Memorial services for Robert “Bob” W. Gittins, 86, of Perry will be 11:30 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 2, 2016, at the First Christian Church in Perry, Iowa.
Pastor Tim Johnson will officiate. The pianist will be Donna Emmert, and musical selections will be “What a Friend We Have in Jesus” and “In the Garden.” Burial will be in Violet Hill Cemetery in Perry at a later date.
Honorary Pallbearers will be his grandchildren: Scott Hilsenbeck, Steve Hilsenbeck, Michael Gittins, Josh Gittins, Joe Gittins, Erin Hodgson, Emily Gittins, Ally Craig, Jessica Romero, and Lydia Gittins. Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service at the church.
Bob passed away Monday, Dec. 28, 2015, under the care of his family and caregivers from HCI Hospice Care Services at his home in rural Perry.
Bob was born Sept. 4, 1929, when his family lived south of Panora, Iowa. He was the son of Lance and Grace (Barnhouse) Gittins.
In 1942 his family moved to the Perry/Dawson rural area where they farmed.
Bob, also known as “Shorty,” attended country school south of Dawson through eighth grade and then Perry High School, graduating in 1947.
Bob was united in marriage to Sarah Jane Yetter June 17, 1951, at the First Christian Church in Perry, of which he is a member. Bob and Sarah spent 63½ years of their 64½ years of married life on the same farm west of Perry, raising their four children, hundreds of head of cattle and many acres of row crops.
Bob is survived by his wife, Sarah; one daughter, Jane (Chuck) Hilsenbeck of Perry; sons, Bob (Margaret) Gittins of Perry, Rod (Penny) Gittins of Perry and John (Jeanne) Gittins of Des Moines; 10 grandchildren; and five (and counting) great-grandchildren. Also surviving is a brother, Keith (Gretchen) Gittins of California, and one-step sister, Mary Ellen.
Bob was preceded in death by his parents; one infant son, Randy; his brother, Richard Gittins; and a step-brother, Tom, who died in the Vietman War.
Memorials are suggested to HCI Hospice Care Services. Murdock Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
One of the best men in the world — hard working with a heart of gold! I love you, Uncle Bob! –from Cindy Moulton (Howerton), Mary Ellen Howerton-McDonald’s youngest daughter