Robert Edward Lee Ingram

Born and raised in Dallas, Texas he enlisted in the Navy on his eighteenth birthday, soon after graduating high school, and served in the Pacific during the Korean War. After his honorable discharge, he took advantage of the G.I. Bill to attend BYU and then the University of Utah in Salt Lake City, where he met his future wife Geryl Lynn Fonnesbeck. There he earned a degree in chemistry and worked in the oil industry for several years before setting his sights on education and teaching future generations of students. He earned his advanced degrees at ASU and was a professor of chemistry, astronomy, and earth/space, and fire science courses at AWC from 1964 until 1995. His tenure at the college included many summers spent studying and working at NASA and teaching and training hundreds of MCAS and local Yuma firefighters in his specialized fire science classes.

Bob was a life-long Boy Scout and Scout leader, and very proud his sons all attained the rank of Eagle. He also volunteered to serve as Scoutmaster for the 1985 75th National Boy Scout Jamboree, guiding the regional troop of Scouts from Yuma, El Centro, and Brawley to Washington DC and Fort A.P. Hill, Virginia. After retiring from his decades of teaching at the college, Bob volunteered at the Yuma Family History Research Center helping Yuma neighbors and winter visitors doing their genealogical research. At the same time, for many years, he also volunteered as a docent at the Yuma Territorial Prison where he put in over 5000 hours of service.

Bob is survived by his wife of over 67 years, Gerry; children: Karene (Tom), Alex (Lisa), Bob (Marsha), Chris (Teri), and Harold (Monika), and many, many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren.

He is preceded by his parents, Vernon and Genevieve, his siblings, his daughter Rosalyn, son-in-law Tom, and daughter-in-law Lisa.

In lieu of flowers please consider making a donation in his memory to the Yuma Territorial Prison. Online donations may be made at this link: https://www.aplos.com/aws/give/YumaCrossingNationalHeritageAreaCorp/bobingrammemorial

Or donations can be mailed to the Yuma Crossing National Heritage Area 180 W. 1st Street, Suite E Yuma, AZ 85364.

Burial will take place at Logan City Cemetery, Logan, Utah on April 1, 2024 at 11am.

Robert Edward Lee Ingram

Biographical Sketch

Birth 9 October 1932 Dallas, Dallas, Texas, United States

I was born at home on 9 October 1932, at about 5:00 PM, a Sunday. I was the sixth child and second son of my parents, Vernon Dewey and Genevieve Ingram, Our home had been in this house in the past, since it was where my oldest sister, Erma Ruth had died of a serious illness at the age of six. My mother was rather reluctant to move back to this house, since that loss of a loved one of the family. But, due to the failure of the family who had bought the house from us, to meet their payments, the loan fell due, and the house was repossessed. The structure had been modified several times, with the addition of quite a number of additional rooms. The house consisted of three rooms across the front, a large pantry and clothes closet in the middle, an ell shaped hall; from an added bedroom on the south side, and a new kitchen , bath, and large bedroom at the back. Dad and Granddad built a stairway to the attic, and closed off another bedroom up there. Much of my life, through high school, I shared this attic bedroom with Granddad.

My older siblings were:

1) Erma Ruth, born 1919, who died in 1926, before I was born.

2) Elliot Hoyt, born 1921, died 1984.

3) Anna Charlotte, born 1924, died 2007.

4) Vernon Genevieve, born 1925, died 2010.

5) Frances Ellen, born 1927, died 2014.

I began my education, just after Labor day, in September of 1939, in the First Grade at Lisbon Elementary School of the Dallas Independent School District. I had begun to read and write before I started the First Grade. My first Grade teacher had to correct my style, since I was left-handed, I had learned to write in mirror style! I would write from right to left and form my letters backwards! You had to hold my paper up to a mirror to read my writing!

I was listed in my family in the 1940 US Census.

I was promoted to the Second Grade at Lisbon Elementary School, in September of 1940. I was promoted to the Third Grade at Lisbon Elementary School, in September of 1941. I was one of several class-mates chosen to be accelerated in my class by the school administration, with accelerated classwork to prepare us for our next class, being advanced from the Third Grade at mid year, to the Fifth Grade!

The attack on Pearl Harbor, Honolulu, Hawaii, United States by an air raid by the Imperial Japanese Navy, occurred on 7 December 1941 and led to the declaration of war by the US Congress against the Empire of Japan on 8 December 1941, by a vote of 419 to 1, the one “no” vote was by the same lady that had voted “no” in 1917 for war against the German Empire.

I was promoted to the Fifth Grade at Lisbon Elementary School, in January of 1942, thus being placed on an “off-Schedule” relative to my former class-mates. I was promoted to the Sixth Grade at Lisbon Elementary School, in January of 1943, completing my time at Lisbon Elementary School. I joined Boy Scout Troop 81 at my school, and earned the rank of Tenderfoot Scout.

I was promoted to the Seventh Grade in January of 1944, moving up to Boude Storey Junior High School. At this time, I began carrying the evening paper, the Dallas Times-Herald close to Boude Storey. I had about 80 customers, as I carried the rout on foot, until I was able to afford to buy a bicycle from my paper route earnings. I later traded this route for one closer to home, that had over 100 customers. I then was able to take over the route that included my home, with about 180 customers. I was able to grow that base to just shy of 300 customers, as I progressed up to high school. I remember assisting the paper boy for the Dallas Morning News, when he has to throw the Centennial Edition of the News. Those papers came with only five issues per bundle—compared with a more usual fifty per bundle! Quite a large job!

At this time, the Boy Scout Troop 81 was dissolved, through the other Boy Scouts joining other Troops in their own Churches. I was invited by my sister Genevieve to join with the very new Troop 59 at the Dallas Branch of the North Texas District of the Texas-Louisiana Mission of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. I began attending the Tuesday evening MIA meetings at the Branch. Later, I began attending the Sunday School class where we studied the Book of Mormon. I read it for the first time, then, and saw that it was a true parallel to the Gospels of the New Testament, amplifying those teachings for me. I then began attending the Sacrament Meetings of the Dallas Branch. While attending MIA, I joined with the Branch Basketball team in participating in the Dallas parks and Recreation “Church” League, playing games against the various teams there. One night, at the Fair Park arena, I was pulled aside by a young Missionary Elder and his companion, to be asked about my understanding of the teachings of the Church, and being challenged to be baptized. I was instructed to consult with our Branch President about arranging my baptism. I had an interview with the Branch President, and we set up the schedule for my baptism I n the font in the Garrett Street Chapel.

I was promoted to the Eighth Grade in January of 1945, at Boude Storey Junior High School. I was promoted to the Ninth Grade or High school Freshman in January of 1946, at Boude Storey Junior High School.

I was promoted to the Tenth Grade or Sophomore in January of 1947, at N. R. Crozier Technical High School, Dallas, Texas. I was promoted to the Eleventh Grade or Junior in January of 1948, at N. R. Crozier Technical High School. I was promoted to the Twelfth Grade in January of 1949, at N. R. Crozier Technical High School. About this time, I suffered from appendicitis during the school day., in my Trigonometry class with Mr. Sol Lanham. He sent me down to the nurse's office, assisted by two of my classmates. I was then shunted to the attendance office, where my mother was contacted by the attendance dean, Mrs. Lemmerhirt. My Mother came to Tech and took me to our family doctor's office, which was quite close to Tech. I was then taken to Saint Paul's Hospital, where I underwent surgery to remove my appendix. I spent about eight days in St. Paul's, recovering from the surgery, as was the standard treatment for that day. After my recovery, I was returned to my classes at Tech.

On 22 April 1950 I was Baptized and Confirmed a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints by Elder EksAyn Anderson in the Dallas Branch, Texas-Louisiana Mission, Dallas, Dallas, Texas. This was a joint rite, with Elder EksAyn Anderson baptizing both his wife, Sister Cordelia Anderson and I. There had been a problem with the water heater in the Chapel building, and the supply of water to the building had been cut off, because of the leak in the water heater tank. The font had to be filled with water from a neighbor's lawn hose, and, since it was early spring, the water was cold. Both Cordelia and I desired that we continue the baptisms, and, to our surprise, the temperature of the water was moderated so that we did not become chilled by the water I was then ordained a Deacon and received the Aaronic Priesthood from President Wendell Reeder of the Dallas Branch.

The Dallas Morning News newspaper carried an article titled "Take It From Mom!" on 1 June 1950. That evening, I graduated from N. R. Crozier Technical High School, as my mother presented the diplomas to the graduating class of students.

In June of 1950 Troops of the Peoples Republic of North Korean invaded the Republic of Korea (South Korea). United States Army forces came into play role against the North Korean and Chinese troops in what came to be called the Korean War. Following my 18th birthday on 9 October 1950, I went into the offices of the Dallas Selective Service Board where my sister, Frances Grimes typed up my Draft Registration Card and had me sign the card, She then asked what my plans were for my immediate future. I replied that I was going to see whether I might enlist in the U. S. Navy to pursue my experience with radio-electronic studies in High School. That resulted in my enlistment as an Electronics Technician Seaman Recruit (ETSR (E-1)) on 31 October 1950. From November 1950 to February 1951, I was stationed at the San Diego Recruit Training Station, San Diego, San Diego, California. I was promoted from ETSR (E-1) to ETSA (E-2). From February 1951 to August 1951 I was stationed at U. S. Navy Electronics Materials Training Center, located on Treasure Island, San Francisco, California. I attended the U. S. Navy Electronic Technician, Class "A" School, Treasure Island, San Francisco, California. In June of 1951, I was promoted from ETSA (E-2) to ETSN (E-3). Upon completing my training at TI, I was transferred to the USS Haven (AH-12) on 15 August 1951 at the Naval Air Station, Alameda, Alameda, California, United States and reported aboard the USS Haven (AH-12). From 20 August 1951 to 15 October 1952, I sailed the Western Pacific, including duties in Korea and in Japan, aboard the USS Haven (AH-12). While aboard the USS Haven (AH-12), I was promoted from ETSN (E-3) to ET3rd (E-4) on 1 November 1951.

On or about15 October 1952, I was transferred from the USS Haven (AH-12) to the USS Sioux (ATF-75) at San Diego, California. On 1 November 1953, while serving aboard the USS Sioux (ATF-75), I was promoted from ET3rd (E-4) to ET2nd (E-5). From 10 June 1954 to 8 August 1954 the USS Sioux (ATF-75) cruised the Pacific Nuclear Test Range, Eniwetak and Bikini Atolls, of the Marshal Islands of the Central Pacific as part of Operation Castle, a series of thermonuclear tests. The USS Sioux (ATF-75) was assigned to sail downwind after each test, to collect samples of the seawater and nuclear fallout. I had been assigned as the Senior Petty Officer in charge of Radiological Safety aboard the USS Sioux (ATF-75), I had been sent to a US Navy Class “B” School in Radiological Safety, ad San Diego Naval Station, and stood watches with other POs, securing the crew from any damaging radiation from the fallout. As a result of my duties, on our return to our home port at San Diego. California, my radiation badge showed that I had received the highest exposure of anyone aboard the USS Sioux(ATF-75)! On 28 August 1954, I received an Honorable Discharge from US Naval service at the US Naval Receiving Station San Diego, San Diego, California.

In September of 1954, I enrolled as a Freshman student at Brigham Young University, Provo, Utah, Utah. On 5 September 1954, I took up residence at a boarding House at 487 North 300 East Street just off the campus of BYU, in Provo, Utah, Utah. I began to attend the Manavu Ward of the Provo Stake of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. On 5 December 1954, I was ordained a Teacher by Elder J. Elmo Curtis, First Counselor in the Bishopric of the Manavu Ward of the Provo Stake, Provo, Utah, Utah. On 1 May 1955, I was ordained a Priest by Bishop C. Nello Westover, of the Manavu Ward, Provo Stake, Provo, Utah, Utah. I was sent to the Provo Tabernacle to participate in the baptism of 8-year-old youth of our Stake. I completed my Freshman year studies at BYU in the spring of 1955.

In June of 1955, I moved to Salt Lake City, Salt Lake, Utah, and took up residence at the home of Clyde and Genevieve Bennett, on Wellington Street, with my sister and her husband..I then took employment as construction common labor for Paulsen Construction Co., working on the construction of the new Highland High School, located on the old Utah Sugar House Prison site, that became divided into the High School campus and the new Sugar House Park. In September of 1955, I attempted to enroll at the University of Utah, but was informed that since I had been a student at BYU, I had NOT satisfied the residency requirement to enroll as a “resident” student. I was given three choices to pass that requirement: 1) work for another three months; 2) marry a Utah resident girl; or 3) buy a residence in Utah! I chose the first option and took up employment in Cement Block Production, at the Buener Block Co. with the encouragement of Frank Fonnesbeck, the father of Geryl Lynn. I had become acquainted with Geryl Lynn Fonnesbeck through participating with the group of M-Men and Gleaners of the Highland Stake, We were a fun bunch, doing many young adult activities, in including a trip to Bear Lake, to water ski! I tried several times, but was never able to get up on the skis! I ended up with some severe cramps due to the stress on my arms and legs.

On 5 January 1956, I enrolled as a Sophomore student at the University of Utah, Chemistry Department, Salt Lake City, Salt Lake, Utah.

On 22 January 1956, I received my Patriarchal Blessing by George F. Richards, Jr., Highland Stake Patriarch, Salt Lake City, Salt Lake, Utah. On 15 April 1956, I was ordained an Elder and received the Melchizedek Priesthood by Clyde Reeve Bennett, my brother-in-law, in the Roslyn Heights Ward of the Highland Stake, at Salt Lake City, Salt Lake, Utah.

On 27 June 1956, I received my Temple Endowment in the Salt Lake Temple, Salt Lake City, Salt Lake, Utah. On 12 July 1956, I was married to Geryl Lynn Fonnesbeck by Elder Harold B. Lee of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, who sealed us for time and eternity as a couple, in the Salt Lake Temple, Salt Lake City, Salt Lake, Utah. On 15 July 1956, we took up residence in an apartment at 3073 South Ninth East Street, Salt Lake City, Salt Lake, Utah. On 16 January1957, our first child, a girl, Karene Elise was born in the LDS Hospital, Salt Lake City, Salt Lake, Utah. On 15 February 1957, we moved to an apartment in the Stadium Village at University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Salt Lake, Utah. On 5 June 1958, our second child, a son, Alexander Frank, was born in the LDS Hospital, Salt Lake City, Salt Lake, Utah. On the next day, 6 June 1958, I graduated from the University of Utah with a Bachelor of Arts in Chemistry degree. Upon graduation, I took up employment with The Ohio Oil Company at the Denver Research Center, Littleton, Arapaho, Colorado as an Assistant Chemist, on 15 June 1958. We moved to an apartment at 750 South Orange Street, in Denver, Denver, Colorado, near the University of Denver. In 1960, we moved into a new home at 6225 South Cook Street, Littleton, Arapahoe, Colorado. On 10 Apr 1960, our third child, a son, Robert Edward, was born at Denver, Denver, Colorado. I was with the Ohio Oil Company until 31 August 1961. I had made application to several Universities, and received three offers of graduate school scholarships. These were from McGill University in Montreal, Ontario, Canada, Missouri School of Mines in Rolla, Missouri, and Arizona State University, in Tempe, Arizona. From the stated amounts of assistance I was offered by each school, I selected to attend ASU. In September 1961, I enrolled as a doctoral candidate at the Chemistry Department, Arizona State University, Tempe, Maricopa, Arizona and we took up residence at 750 East Orange St near the ASU campus. On 8 May 1963, out fourth child, a son, Christian Vernon, was born in Tempe General Hospital, Tempe, Maricopa, Arizona.

In June of 1964, I completed my Thesis Defense and received a Master of Science in Chemistry from Arizona State University, Tempe, Maricopa, Arizona. Following this, in August 1964, we moved our residence to 2707 South Carol Avenue in Yuma, Yuma, Arizona. I took up employment at Arizona Western College, Yuma, Yuma, Arizona in September 1964 as Professor of Chemistry. In June 1965, while Gerry was in Utah with the children, visiting with her parents, I moved our residence across the street, to 1169 East Hacienda Drive, a house with the same basic floor plan as the other house! In June 1965, I officially graduated from ASU with my Master of Science in Chemistry!

From September 1964 to May 1995, I remained at Arizona Western College, Yuma, Yuma, Arizona, as Professor of Chemistry, then later as Professor of Chemistry and Earth/Space Science. In the interim, I attended a variety of Summer Institutes and classes. From June 1966 to August 1966, I was at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Washttenaw, Michigan, studying in Nuclear Chemistry at the UM Phoenix Research Reactor. On 5 August 1966, our fifth child, a girl, Rosalyn, was born in the LDS Hospital in Salt Lake City, Salt Lake, Utah. From June 1967 to August 1967, I attended Oregon State University, Corvallis, Benton, Oregon, for studies in Teaching Chemistry. In June, 1968, I took part in the Wood Badge Course at the R--C Ranch Camp of the Phoenix Council of the BSA. In July 1968, I attended Rice University, Houston, Harris, Texas for studies in Meteoritics. From July 1969 to August 1969, I attended the Oak Ridge Associated Universities, Oak Ridge Nuclear Laboratory, Oak Ridge, Anderson, Tennessee, for further studies in Nuclear Chemistry and Nuclear Physics.

In November 1969, I was called as First Councilor in the Branch Presidency of the Coco pah Indian Branch, Somerton, Yuma, Arizona with President Cecil LeRoy Jacobson. On 4 January 1970, I was ordained Seventy by Alma Sonne, of the First Council of the Seventy, and named as one of the seven presidents of the 435th Quorum of the Seventy, in the Yuma Arizona Stake at Yuma, Yuma, Arizona.

In 1970, I was afforded a sabbatical year from AWC, and a grant from the Atomic Energy Commission along with assistance from the National Science Foundation, From August 1970 to June 1971, we lived in an apartment at 750 East Orange Avenue, Albany, Benton, Oregon, I worked for the Stokeley-Van Camp's Cannery in Albany until I began my studies in Nuclear Chemistry and Nuclear Physics at Oregon State University, Corvallis, Benton, Oregon, from September 1970 to June 1971.

On 11May 1971, our sixth child, a son, Harold Lee, was born in the Good Samaritan Hospital, in Corvallis, Benton, Oregon. In June 1971, we returned to 1169 East Hacienda Drive, where I resumed my duties as Professor of Chemistry and Earth/Space Science. From June 1972 to August 1972, I took up studies in Lunar Geology at the Lunar Science Institute, Houston, Harris, Texas, adjacent to the NASA Johnson Space Center.

In November of 1973, I was released as First Counselor to the Coco pah Branch Presidency. On 28 September 1975 I was called as First Counselor to Bishop Danny Farar of the Yuma First Ward, Yuma Arizona Stake, Yuma, Yuma, Arizona. On 28 September 1975, I was ordained a High Priest by Bishop Cecil LeRoy Jacobson. From June 1976 to August 1976, I undertook studies in Lunar and Planetary Science at the Lunar and Planetary Science Institute, Houston, Harris, Texas, formerly known as the Lunar Institute.

In February of 1977 I was released from the Bishopric of the Yuma First Ward, Yuma Arizona Stake, Yuma, Yuma, Arizona. In June of 1977, I was called as High Counselor of Yuma Arizona Stake by President Earl Neely of the Yuma Arizona Stake, Yuma, Yuma, Arizona.

From June 1980 to August 1980, I undertook the study of the soils of the Dry Valleys of Antarctica at NASA's Johnson Space Center, Houston, Harris, Texas. In the midst of this, our son, Alexander Frank Ingram was married on 5 July 1980 at Reading Chapel, Reading, Berkshire, England, United Kingdom and his sealing to Lisa Patricia Williams at the London Temple, in Essex, England. On our return to Houston, we attended the funeral of my uncle, Henry Lee (Uncle Heinie) Ingram on his death on 18 July 1980 at Houston, Harris, Texas.

In June of 1986, I was released from the Stake High Council by President David Nelson.

My father, Vernon Dewey Ingram died on 22 August 1988 at Dallas, Dallas, Texas. Gerry and I attended the funeral service for Dad in Dallas, as directed by the AWC President and Dean of Instruction. I dedicated Dad's grave at that time.

My mother, Genevieve Ingram died on 14 January 1991 at Dallas, Dallas, Texas. Gerry and I attended the funeral service for Mom in Dallas, also as directed by the AWC President and Dean of Instruction. I dedicated Mom's grave at that time.

In June of 1995, I retired from Arizona Western College, Yuma, Yuma, Arizona.

On 3 May 2009, our daughter, Rosalyn Ingram Lesh, died in the Emergency Room of the Yuma Regional Medical Center Hospital, at Yuma, Yuma, Arizona. She was buried in the family plot in the Logan City Cemetery, in Logan, Cache, Utah, near her grandparents, Frank and La Rae Fonnesbeck.

On 25 August 2019, the wife of Alex, Lisa Patricia Williams Ingram, died of Crohn's disease in Sparks, Washoe, Nevada.

On 13 April 2022, the husband of Karene, Thomas Dewey Ess, died of acute pneumonia at St. George, Washington, Utah. Tom was buried with full military honors in the Cedar City Cemetery, in Cedar City, Iron, Utah.

On 12 September 2022, I flew to Phoenix Sky Harbor from Yuma International by American Eagle to meet with the Honor Flight Arizona group on the 13th at 5:30 AM for our excursion to Washington DC. We flew from Phoenix to Austin,Texas by Southwest Airline to then fly to Baltimore-Washington International by Southwest Airline. We were housed at the BWI Hilton Hotel for each night. We were fed breakfast at the BWI Hilton Flight Deck Restaurant, the bussed to Washington, DC to visit the various military memorials. We first stopped at the Navy Museum to see many models of Naval Ships from the history of the US Navy, we were then bussed to the US Marine Corps War Memorial, whose centerpiece is the statue of the Iwo Jima Flag Raising, with all the Marine Corps battles and wars tabulated on the base of the statue. We went next to the Arlington National Cemetery, to observe the changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknowns. Quite a display! We next moved to the World War II Memorial, where I met with Harold, Monica, Noah, Jocelyn, and Mayalea. My Guardian, Matt Hartman let Harold take me in charge, with the family, as we then toured the WWII memorial, took pictures of all of us, and visited the adjacent Korean War Memorial, and the area of the Reflection Basin near the Lincoln Memorial, before rejoining the Honor Flight Arizona group, to visit the Air Force Memorial near the Pentagon. We then went to Fort Meyer for dinner at the Patton Club. We then returned to the BWI Hilton for the night. The next day we boarded the Southwest Airlines flight to Saint Louis, Missouri, to transfer to another Southwest Airline flight to Phoenix. I then parted from the group to take my flight on American Eagle to Yuma and home! I was greeted by Gerry at the Yuma Airport. I must say that I had a very good time with the group that had two WWII veterans, six or seven Korean War veterans, and many Vietnam veterans. There were 25 veterans in this group. The staff of leaders and Guardians treated us with great care and concern.

On 5 October 2022, I participated in the memorial service for the parents of Helen Dowden, our neighbor across Hacienda Drive. She had requested that I dedicate the burial of her father, Forrest Edward Dowden, and mother, Maria Elena Dowden. The father had been buried in San Bernadine, California, while the mother had been burred in Imperial, California. Helen wished to have them jointly interred in Yuma, to be close to her, and that she would have the opportunity to be buried close to them both. The American Legion Post 19 Ceremonial Team performed full military honors for the burial, since the father had served in the Army in World War I.

On 8 October 2022, our son Chris and his wife Teri had a “90th birthday party” at the Church cultural hall, with a lot of family and friend in attendance. We had a very enjoyable time with our many friends that dropped by to greet us. Bob & Marcia were down from Salt Lake City, Harold was in from Virginia, Brian came over from Tucson, Robert, Jr., was here with his family from Southern California, and Cynthia and Kenny Hummer and family were in from Yuma, along with Kitty & Emilio Serta from Colorado. There were many from the Yuma Stake in attendance as well. The celebration continued into the following Sunday and Monday, with further greatly enjoyed entertainment by the family and friends.