Robert Lee Gray, Jr.

Robert “Bob” Lee Gray, Jr., the son of Robert L., Sr. and Ruth (Pickett) Gray, was born July 5, 1942, in Unionville, Mo. He graduated from the Newton Senior High School with the class of 1960.

On Aug. 15, 1964, Bob was united in marriage with Barbara Turner. Bob worked for the Maytag Company for 14 years. He drove school busses for several years and worked for Heartland COOP in Kellogg for several years. He farmed for more than 40 years. He loved working the land and raising cattle. Bob was a family man. He loved his sons and their families. He enjoyed going to the grandchildren’s sports activities and spending time with them. He also loved motorcycling and taking trips on his Yamaha with Barb. Bob and Barb also enjoyed the years they were able to winter in Arizona.

Bob died Saturday, April 17, 2021, at Nelson Manor in Newton. He was 78 years old. Bob was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Gene Gray; and a grandson, Riley Gray. Those left to honor Bob’s memory include his wife, Barb; his sons, Rob (Rebecca) Gray and Alan (Becky) Gray; his grandchildren, Shelby Gray, Maison Gray (Sierra), Kelsey Gray (Brandon Frechette), Alayna Gray and Mallory Gray; his great-granddaughter, Braylee Frechette and a great-grandson on the way; his sister, Darlene (Marty) Leib; his sisters-in-law, Glennys Ward and Suzanne Nail; his brother-in-law, Del (Judy) Turner; many nieces and nephews; and special friends, Todd and Sara Van Manen and daughters.

A memorial service Bob will begin at 11 a.m. Saturday, April 24 at Pence-Reese Funeral Home in Newton. A Facebook Live broadcast of the service may be viewed starting at 11 a.m. Saturday, April 24 on the Pence-Reese Funeral Home and Cremation Services Facebook page.

A visitation with the family will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday, April 23 at the funeral home.

Memorials may be designated to Hospice of the Midwest or Community Heights Alliance Church and may be left at the Pence-Reese Funeral Home.