2018
Robert Cleatis Zook, 85, of Silver Lake, IN went to see our Lord and Savior on Monday, July 2, 2018 at Peabody Retirement Center, North Manchester, IN at 3:30 a.m. Bob was born August 11, 1932 in Carroll County, IN in the family home. He was born to Cleatis and Aileen (Bolinger) Zook. Bob graduated from Burlington High School in 1950. August 2, 1952, Bob was married to his high school sweetheart, Lily Ann Johnson. They were married for nearly sixty-six years. Bob served in the United States Army from 1952-1954, achieving the rank of Sergeant. He fought in the Korean War. Bob was awarded a Purple Heart for his service, but he denied acceptance. Following his return from war, Bob worked for Kingston Products in Kokomo, IN. In 1955 Bob became a co-owner of A & Z Standard, a filling station, with his friend, Martin Anderson. A few years later, Bob and Lily Ann acquired the Burlington Hardware Store which they operated for 25 years in Burlington, then 10 years in Kokomo. Bob also drove a school bus for Carroll Consolidated School Corporation. Bob was skilled in many trades including plumbing, several types of flooring installation, mechanics, farming and retail to name just a few. After the hardware business, Bob and Lily Ann traveled 650,000 miles across 49 states and Canada delivering RV trailers. In 2008, they retired to their home in Silver Lake, IN where they fished full-time, and spent the winters in Florida. Once Bob and Lily Ann, his darlin, went into business together, they were inseparable.
Bob was baptized into the Burlington Brethren Church in 1939. Bob was among the founders of Faith Church of Christ and Chairman of the New Building Committee. Bob served as a Deacon and Sunday School Superintendent for Faith Church of Christ. Bob was a firefighter for Burlington Volunteer Fire Department for over 30 years. He was a captain for many years and served as Fire Chief from 1980 to 1982. During his service with the fire department, he was one of the first certified EMTs for Burlington and in the state of Indiana. He also became an EMT instructor. Bob, along with Jim Neptune, were instrumental in founding the initial Burlington Fire Department Ambulance Service. Bob was a member of the Burlington chapter of the American Legion as well as a board member of the Burlington Community Club. In 2015, Bob and his son, Mark, proudly participated in the Veteran Honor Flight to Washington, D.C. to see the monuments.
Preceding Bob in death were his parents, an infant son (Randall), and his brother, Roger. Still remaining is his wife, Lily Ann. His sons Sam and Jane (Bush) Zook of Flora, IN, Mark and Judith (Craig) Zook of Kokomo, IN, daughters Mary Ann and Michael Calhoun of Kokomo, IN, Brenda and Daniel Welcher of Zephyrhills, FL, and Deana and William Henson of Brookston, IN. Also surviving are his brother, Emmett, 12 grandkids, 17 great-grandkids, many step-grandchildren, step-great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.
Bob deeply loved and was very proud of his entire family. He was a passionate Korean War Veteran. Most of all, Bob strived to serve God.
Family will receive friends Saturday, July 7, 2018, from 11am-1pm at Faith Church of Christ, Burlington, IN. A Celebration of Life service to follow. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Burlington Volunteer Fire Department. Wheeler Family Funeral Home-Baker Chapel is honored to serve the Zook Family.
Condolences for the family 05
Kent & Kathy Ehrman
July 2, 2018 4:11 pm ·Many years ago, Bob Zook was one of several mentors to Kent on the Burlington Fire Dept. He was a good man, very respected and always there to teach “the new kid” the art of being a good fireman. Bob will be missed by everyone who knew him. Our sincerest condolences to his family.
Danyell Jackson
July 3, 2018 8:09 am ·My thoughts and prayers are with you all in this difficult time. I hope the Lord touches you with his comforting hands.
Dora Anne Gramly
July 3, 2018 8:11 am ·My love is GREAT, my heart is broken. My memories are full.
My Aunt Ann and Uncle Bob are 2 of the finest people I have ever known.
This world has lost a wonderful man as heaven gained one of God’s greatest saints.
My Aunt Ann will remain strong because of her love for her husband and knowing our Father as she draws from the promises of Jesus.
Jolene johnson
July 3, 2018 8:40 pm ·The things that impressed me the most is Bob character and the fact he live his life to the fullitest with honor, respect,joy, helping others with love for everyone…and his love for the LORD was shown every step in life that he took…what a LEGACY to leave behind has example how to live your life…John and I and family give our condolences with love to all!
edward lytle
July 6, 2018 1:59 pm ·I WAS SORRY TO HEAR OF THE LOSS BOB ZOOK . HE WAS FREIND TO MY GRANDFATHER AND GRANDMOTHER BIEGLIER , ENJOYED CHURCH AND SCHOOL ALL THE KIDS . ESPECIALLY SAM AND MARK AND SAM’S SON CHRIS IN PLYMOUTH INDIANA A JOY TO TALK WITH , MAY YOU REST IN GODS LOVING ARMS BOB
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