Robert Joseph Armont

He was born in Belt, Montana to Lithuanian immigrants, Joseph and Julia Armont. His father was a coal miner, who operated with hand tools. Bob spoke of how his father would take his coal into town with a large wagon and team of horses.

When Bob was a young boy his parents moved to Geyser, Montana where they owned and operated a grocery store and hotel.

In his youth, Bob was a gifted athlete and excelled at basketball. In his senior year in high school he was named the MVP for the state of Montana.

He was given a scholarship to Montana State College but, unfortunately, his father died when Bob was 17 and he was not able to attend college as he stayed home and helped his mother with the family business.

In 1941 Bob joined the Army Air Corp. He participated in campaigns in North Africa and Italy. He proudly served under Gen. Eisenhower and greatly admired the man for the rest of his life. Bob served over seas for 35 continuous months during the war, and achieved the rank of sergeant.

In 1945 Bob returned home and married his sweetheart Blanche McFarland.

After the war, Bob served as postmaster in Geyser, Montana for approximately 10 years.

In 1955 Bob and Blanche moved their family to Salem, Oregon where he worked in the grocery business.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Julia; his only sibling, Eugene; his loving wife, Blanche; son, Thomas; and grandsons, John Kessel and Nathan Ferder. He is survived by son, Robert Jr.; and daughters, Diane (Bill) Kessel, Jeanne (Robert) Ferder and Kathy Fawcett. He is also blessed with 7 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.

Bob was a friendly outgoing man who enjoyed trips to Reno in his mid-years, gardening, collection old bottles and watching sports on TV.

The family would like to thank Cedar Village Assisted Living Center for the exceptional care Bob received in the last months of this life.

A Funeral Mass to celebrate his life will be held at 11:00 am, Monday, June 20 at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church in Salem. Presiding will be Pastor Joseph Heuberger and long-time family friend, Father John Heagle. A Reception will follow at the home of his daughter, Jeanne Ferder. Arrangements by Howell-Edwards-Doerksen with Rigdon-Ransom Funeral Directors. For online condolences please visit www.HED-FH.com.