Robert Joseph Willingham

Robert Joseph Willingham, age 102 of Lynnwood, Washington passed away peacefully on April 29, 2023. Bob was born on October 23, 1920 to Oscar and Anna Willingham in Seattle, Washington. Bob grew up in Ballard with his sisters June and Vera, and brother, Ray. While growing up, he loved auto racing, fishing at the Ballard Locks and going roller skating, where he would meet his future wife, Luann Carl.

He attended Ballard High School. He then went on to work for Boeing. He received multiple military deferments and was drafted into the US Army in June 1944. He served as a paratrooper with the 82nd Airborne Division in Europe. While there, he was selected from his entire regiment to serve as a personal Honor Guard for General Eisenhower in Frankfurt, Germany. He was discharged from the Army in April of 1946 and returned home to Seattle. In September of 1950, he was called back by the Army to train troops for the Korean War and served one year.

On February 7, 1948, he married the love of his life, Luann at St. James Cathedral in Seattle. They would go on to raise 3 daughters together, Nancy, Robyn and Patty. The family moved from Seattle to Bothell in 1958. As a devout Catholic, Bob was a lifetime member of the Knights of Columbus reaching the honor of 4th degree Knight. He also volunteered with St. Vincent de Paul Society.

In 1953, he started working for Northstar Sand and Gravel in Edmonds in the batch plant and would later work for Kenmore Premix as a cement truck driver for over 30 years.

Throughout his life, Bob loved doing things with his family like camping on the Oregon coast, growing fuchsias, hunting, fishing and especially attending auto races.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 69 years, Luann. He is survived by his daughters, Nancy Mickiewicz of Mill Creek, Robyn Willingham of Spokane, and Patty (Gary) Taylor of Snohomish. His 6 grandchildren, Jon Mickiewicz, Jenny Lyon (Michael), Justin Mickiewicz (Sterling), Sarah Litzenberger (Brian), Gary Taylor and Erik Searle; 3 great-grandchildren, Elijah and Iris Litzenberger and Zoe Lyon.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.floralhillslynnwood.com for the Willingham family.