J. Robert Calhoun

J. Robert Calhoun passed away on April 19th. He was 2 days shy of his 99th birthday. Robert was born in Kearney, Nebraska on April 13, 1913. He lived in several towns in Nebraska until his early 20's. His father was in the automotive business and he relocated often. Robert had 2 sisters and a brother. They all were very close their entire lives. In 1935, Robert moved to Seattle and went to work for Boeing. He received a business degree from Seattle University in 1940. Bob worked at Boeing until 1941 when World War II broke out. He joined the Navy and served in the Pacific theatre until the war ended in 1945. When Bob returned to the States he knew he wanted to get into the automotive field. He worked for General Motors and Sears from 1946 to 1952. In 1952 Robert decided to go into business for himself. He moved to Dallas, Texas and became an auto parts distributor. He did this for the next 35 years and was extremely successful. He had a great business mind and a terrific work ethic. In 1953, Bob made his best decision of his life. He married Josephine and they were married for 54 years. She was his business and life partner, and they were a fantastic team. In 1987, Bob and Jo retired and moved to Sun City, Arizona. They had 20 years of great retirement. Extensive travel, great friendships and lots of golf made up their lives and it was terrific. In 2007, Jo passed away and Bob spent his last 5 years living a very independent and productive life. He lived in his own home, drove himself everywhere and took complete care of himself. Bob is survived by his niece, Carol Philpot, who resides in Hastings, Nebraska; and his nephew, Tom Tuor who lives in Phoenix. J. Robert Calhoun lived a long and very successful life. He had a fantastic wife, a great business, numerous friends, and truly lived life to the fullest. He was extremely independent and lived life on his terms. Bob was at complete peace when he passed away because he accomplished everything he wanted to do in his life. Bob and Jo were the epitome of the American Dream and it was a tremendous privilege to know them. Services will be at All Saints of the Desert Episcopal Church at 9205 West Hutton Drive in Sun City. They will be Tuesday, May 1st, at 11:30 am. Arrangements are entrusted to Surprise Funeral Care, Surprise, AZ www.surprisefuneralcare.com (623) 546-8002.