Robert E. (Bob) Drover passed peacefully on March 11, 2023 in Peoria, AZ from complications of a fall in 2017 that left him partially paralyzed. Bob was born on September 21, 1942 in South Bend, IN, the third of four children of Robert and Elizabeth Drover. Living in the country outside the city and surrounded by a large extended family helped shape his character. Bob enjoyed people the most, followed by outdoor activities including hiking, snow skiing, running and biking.
After high school Bob served in the United States Air Force stationed at Olmstead AFB in Pennsylvania, specializing in Radar installation and maintenance throughout the North American defense system.
Bob received his undergraduate degree at Fort Lewis College in Durango, Colorado and his masters degree from the University of Wyoming in Economics. He met Vicky Wampler in 1966 in Durango, Colorado and they married in 1967. Of this union two boys were born, Eric and Christopher. The family moved to the Phoenix area where Bob worked at Arizona Public Service and later for Southwest Gas. He taught accounting classes at Glendale Community College and was very active in the community. He was a member of and founded the Walkie Talkie Toastmaster club.
Bob, Vicky, and the boys loved spending summers at the family cabin in Colorado. Bob would regularly take the boys skiing in Durango at Purgatory and in Flagstaff at the Snowbowl. He loved the outdoors, teaching his boys through these outings and through Boy Scouts. He was very much a people person and he valued his large group of devoted friends. He will forever be remembered for his quirky jokes and ready laugh.
Bob was a member of St. Jerome’s Catholic Church
He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Vicky, and brother Larry Drover. He is survived by his sons Eric Drover and Christopher Drover, sister Carol Ann (Pat) Cassidy, sister in-law Carolyn Drover, brother Greg (Shirley) Drover, former daughter in-law Michele Rouse, grandchildren Shayla Rouse, Eli, Cheyenne, and Journey Drover, as well as 9 nieces and nephews and 20 great nieces and nephews.
A visitation for Robert will be held Friday, March 17, 2023 at 1:00 PM at Surprise Funeral Care, 16063 W. Bell Rd, Surprise, AZ 85374. A memorial mass will occur Monday, March 20, 2023 at 11:00 AM at Saint Jerome Catholic Church, 10815 N 35th Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85029.
In lieu of flowers contributions can be made to: Arizona Training & Evaluation (Aztec), St. Mary’s Food Bank or St. Jerome’s Catholic Church.
