Robert Leon Dragoo

Robert L. Dragoo (Bob), 87 years of age, was born February 18, 1929 in Reynolds, Nebraska and passed away June 28, 2016 at Blossom Place, Yakima, WA. Parents were Lee and Grace Dragoo. Bob was number 10 of 12 siblings. Bob graduated from Reynolds High School and married his high school sweetheart, Fayne Feis, on June 1, 1946. They recently celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary. In 1947 Bob and Fayne headed west to join his twin brother Uncle Dick in the Yakima Valley and lived in the Wapato area for nearly 70 years. Starting work in the fruit industry, Bob would spend nearly all his working career driving truck locally, driving for Consolidated Freightways, Northern Pacific Transport (now Burlington Northern Transport) and retired from Safeway Trucking. Bob was one of the first to load piggyback trailers onto rail cars at the Yakima terminal. During his career he received a million mile safe driving award.

After his 1992 retirement, he spent most of his time tending his garden and lawn. Dad enjoyed having an adult beverage at various local watering holes. Bob was a supporter of the Eagles in Toppenish, where he was a past president and was also a member of the Wapato chapter of the American Legion. During his term as President of the Eagles, the officers went to Minnesota for a ritual competition and finished in first place. Dad also enjoyed bowling and shuffle board and trips to Nevada to do a little gambling. Dad could never pass up a good pinochle game. Dad and Mom enjoyed many good times with their group of close friends. Dad’s unique laugh is common throughout the Dragoo family and often confused people as to which Dragoo was in the building.

Bob is survived by his wife, Fayne, of 70 years; children: Sandie, Ken, Doris (Heinz), Chuck (Terrie) and Sheila (Dave); grandchildren: Steve, Teresa, Ken Jr., Jenifer, Jodi, Brian, Todd, Kristi, Elise, Carinne, Chase and Melanie; six great grandchildren and two great-great grandchildren; brothers: Dean, twin Dick and younger brother Lyle.

Visitation will be Friday July 1st from 3 pm to 7 pm at Merritt Funeral Home in Wapato. Grave side services will take place Saturday July 2nd at 1 pm at the Zillah Cemetery followed by a luncheon at the Zillah Community Center in Zillah.

The family would like to give special thanks for the care Bob received at the Yakima Heart Center and to the staff at Blossom Place for the friendly and quality care received at the facility. If desired, memorial donations can be made to Wapato American Legion Post 133, Wapato, WA.