Robert E. (Bob) Monroe

Robert E. Monroe (Bob) passed away March 8, 2016 at UT Hospital. Bob was born in Louisville, KY in 1933. He had a distinguished 23-yr career in the US Army achieving the rank of Major before retiring. His service included time in the Korean Conflict and Vietnam as a Rated Maintenance Officer. He also flew the east west German border as an Army Aviator in the 60s. Citations include The Air Medal and the Bronze Star. Upon retirement from the Army, Bob moved to Tennessee where he worked for the Camel Tent Company, Michael Dunn Center, and the State of TN as a Veterans Representative for Employment Security. Bob was a member of the Roane County Personnel Executives Assoc, Kingston Lodge BPOE, Paoli Lodge 119 F&AM in Indiana, Roane County Kiwanis, American Legion, VFW Post 4782, Kingston Lions Club, Kingston Rotary International. Bob also served on the Roane County Chamber of Commerce, Board of Directors; Roane County Vocational Education Advisory Committee; Roane County Plant Manager’s Assoc, having served as Chairman; Roane County Military Memorial Honor Guard, having served as Commander; and the Kingston Planning Commission. He was an avid reader, fisherman, and boater who appreciated nature and history along with a hearty discussion on the events of the day. After their marriage in 1986, Sara and Bob shared the love of traveling and finding new adventures whenever they could, taking the scenic route. Avoid Use of Interstates was always selected on his GPS. He taught those who knew him to treat others with respect, revere the veterans, exercise your freedom to vote, love your country and always do what is best for the greater good. He adored his grandchildren, who lovingly called him Tick-Toc, and when asked how he was doing his favorite response was “undoubtedly outstanding”. Bob was preceded in death by parents Earl Philip Monroe and Sophie Schmidt; sister, Bonnie Key; brother Jim; and granddaughter Jessica Monroe. In addition to his loving wife Sara, Bob is survived by children Philip Monroe (Staci) Loudon, TN and Rexene Best (John) Ramsey, IN; stepsons Barry Lee (Tracey), Atlanta, GA; Chaplin Richard Lee (Heather), Okinawa, Japan; and stepdaughter Suzanne Smith (Patrick), Spanish Fort, AL; grandchildren, Barrett Lee, Madelyn and Tyler Smith, Franche Melson, Sam, Amber, and Chris Best, Marissa and Joey Sauceda, and Sheldon Packwood, and best buddy Katie. Per Bob’s request, there will be no memorial services. His ashes will be interned in a private ceremony at a later date. The family requests that any donations in Bob’s memory be made to Kingston United Methodist Church, PO Box 248, 212 W Church St., Kingston, TN 37763.

Robert E. (Bob) Monroe

January 23, 1933 - March 8, 2016