Robert Lanpher Nifong

Bob was born to Lanpher and Julia Nifong in Pittsburg, Kansas, March 28, 1929, and was raised there.

Bob earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Architectural Engineering from the University of Kansas at Lawrence. It was while he was attending the university that he met Elizabeth Mary Leach; they were married on August 27, 1950. He served briefly on active duty with the United States Navy at the U.S. Naval Construction Battalion Center at Port Hueneme after earning his degree. Later he worked at companies in Indiana and Kansas before moving to Oxnard with his wife, Betty and their first three children in 1960. After moving to Oxnard they were blessed with three more children.

Bob worked as a civil service engineer at the Pacific Missile Test Center at Point Mugu from 1961 until his retirement in 1989. He also served with the U.S. Naval Reserve, and retired from that service in 1985 with the rank of Captain for the U.S. Navy Civil Engineer Corps. Bob and his wife were long time members at Santa Clara Church in Oxnard where he served as a sacristan. He also served in many capacities with the St. Vincent de Paul Society. He was a member of The Knights of Columbus in Oxnard and for one year served as Grand Knight.

Bob was fully dedicated to his wife and six children, working hard to take care of them.

He loved camping as well as hiking, and took his family on many camping trips. His favorite spots to camp included Lake Cachuma and Sequoia National Park.

A special tradition that he enjoyed were the family trips in the summer when they drove across country to Kansas.

After Bob retired he spent many hours enjoying activities with his grandchildren. They will especially remember him taking them to the base in Pt. Hueneme to swim; hiking with him and spending many after-school hours with him.

He was preceded in death by Betty Nifong, his wife of more than 50 years. He is survived by his son, Stephen Christopher Nifong of Idaho; daughters and sons-in-law Cathleen and Brian Wentz of Cedar City, Utah, Teresa and Andrew Zilke of Paso Robles, Angela and Jeff Giroux of Ojai; Monica Evans of London, England and Aimee and Paul Nozzi of Ventura.

His grandchildren are Melissa Gutierrez Noble, Caree Jeanne Zurita and her husband Luis, Lucas Wentz, Morgan, Rhiannon, Dylan and Bethinn Evans and Nina and Amber Nozzi. Great grandchildren include Robert Wright, Jeremiah and Citlali Guevara and Scarlett Zurita.

Visitation will take place Wednesday, February 6, Noon until 5 P.M. at the Ted Mayr Funeral Home, 3150 Loma Vista Road, Ventura. Rosary will be recited by Deacon Larry Lopez Wednesday, February 6th, 7:00 P.M. at Santa Clara Catholic Church, 323 South “E” Street, Oxnard.

Funeral Mass will be celebrated by Monsignor Jon Majarucon, Thursday, February 7th, 10:00 A.M. also at Santa Clara Church. Burial, with full military honors, will follow at Santa Clara Cemetery, Oxnard.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Ted Mayr Funeral Home, 3150 Loma Vista Rd., Ventura.