My memories of Uncle Bob are rather specific as he lived many miles south of his "home town". He was fondly referred to by my mother as her "baby brother". While there were way too few get-togethers with the entire Buttleman clan, the family stayed in touch with Grandma B's round robin.
What I remember most about Uncle Bob was his humor....and the stories he could tell. Much like his father DL Buttleman. His laughter and joy at life was contagious to all those around him. He could bring a smile to any face and light up the room with his presence.
One such encounter was when Jerry and I brought our son Scott to visit his great Uncle Bob at Hines VA Hospital center for the blind in the Chicago area. We had such a great time listening to his stories....especially when Uncle Bob and Jerry talked about their "navy" days. We were taken on a "guided tour" of the facilities by Uncle Bob and he showed us all the wonderful equipment and gadgets that would make his life just a little easier in the future. He stopped by an organ and started to play a song.....I was so surprised at his talent which I never knew about. He proudly introduced us to each resident we encountered on our tour and it was obvious to us that he was a pretty popular guy there at the VA!
My mother was just 10 years old when her brother Bob was born.....she and her older sister Mil argued about what color eyes the new baby would have.....Mil wanted brown and Ellowyn wished for blue. I believe they both got their wish....one of each color!
Another Bob story.....he was maybe 3 or 4 and was playing with my mother's doll while she was at school. He wasn't supposed to touch it, but just couldn't resist. Unfortunately, he dropped it and the head broke into many pieces. His mother glued it back together the best she could, but it was never the same. I still have my mother's doll which was glued together so many years ago.
Uncle Bob will be remembered by many family and friends as a man who truly lived his life to the fullest. He never let anything stop him from enjoying each moment and accomplished the ripe age of 93....something that neither his parents nor siblings ever did.
When I think about my Uncle Bob, I can't help but smile. He was truly a man who loved his family, his friends and most of all....life!
Your loving niece,
Sandy
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2 comments:
Thanks, Sandy. It is memories like this that build and preserve a family history.
I am sorry it has taken me so long to write on this blog. I was sorry to hear about Uncle Bob's passing. While I know that you must miss him, it is comforting to think about he and your mother being reunited again.
While I didn't know Uncle Bob very well, I do have great memories of our family reunions in Arkansas. It makes me sad that was most of the interaction that we had with your family. I think we have all missed out by not knowing each other better.
I know that Uncle Bob was very involved with Christ for the Nations and that his life reflected his faith. Whenever someone lives as they believe it is an inspiration to all those around them.
I am sorry that we were unable to make it to Dallas for the funeral. While it would have been a quick trip, we would have liked to see all of you again. While I saw you at your mother's funeral, it has been a lot longer than that for Caryn and Patty. I hope that at some time in the not so distant future that we can all get together and renew our family relationships.
May you all have comfort as you adjust to life without your father.
Shauna Stephenson
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