Robert Cawthra

NAME/ AGE Robert L. Cawthra, age 65, of St. Charles, IL, passed way Sunday evening, January 9, 2005 at Delnor Community Hospital, Geneva, IL. BORN He was born November 3, 1939, the son of Frank and Dorothy (Nass) Cawthra in Cleveland, OH.CHILDHOOD Bob grew up in Cleveland and attended local schools. Following his graduation from West Technical High School in 1958, Bob continued his education at Ohio State University graduating in 1963 with a B.S. in Chemistry. MARRIED Bob met his wife, Jo Zaman, while walking down the aisle in a friends wedding in 1961. A friendship bloomed and it wasn’t long before they walked down the aisle together again, this time as man and wife on October 26, 1963 in Cleveland, OH. They began their new life in Cleveland for a time while Bob worked locally as a chemist. Later, the family would follow Bob’s job to upstate New York in 1969, then to Maine in 1973. They eventually settled in St. Charles in 1977 where they have since made their home. After over thirty years in sales and marketing, Bob retired in 1992 from Nalco. LIFE NOTES Bob was larger than life and knew how to enjoy it. He had an infectious spirit that he passed on to all he met. He was also strong willed and had a determination to overcome any obstacle that was put in his way and oftentimes astounded his doctors by his perseverance. Bob was focused on the joy of discovery. He was always up for an adventure and no matter where he traveled, from Alaska to Europe, he loved to learn and experience all the land had to offer. Bob loved his second home on Sanibel Island in Florida where he spent his time gathering shells and watching birds. When he was home, he enjoyed fishing and woodworking, and playing pinochle with friends and family and was never at a loss for finding an excuse for a party. Nicknamed "Papa Bear", Bob was an "adoptive" father to many of his children’s friends who became known as the "Hat Family". His memories are endless just as his love for Jo knew no bounds. Though now separated in this life, he lives on in her heart as well as in the hearts of countless family and friends and will never be forgotten. SURVIVORS He now leaves his loving wife of 41 years, Jo, Two daughters:Tobi Cawthra of Milwaukee, WIDarci (Jeremy) Davito of Sugar Grove, IL One grandson who was the light of his grandpa’s eye, Zachary Davito;Two brothers:Donald (Pat) Cawthra of Parma, OHAnd Richard (Barbara) Cawthra of Munroe Falls, OH;Several nieces, nephews, friends not to mention his "Hat Family",And his devoted and constant companion, Dilly, his Springer Spaniel. PRECEDED He now joins his parents, and one sister, Janice Gunderman who preceded him in death. MEMORIALS In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in his name and mailed in care of P.O. Box 66, Elburn, IL 60119. The family will distribute memorials to Delnor Community Hospital Foundation, the American Heart Association and the American Kidney Foundation.

VISITATION Friends may call at Conley Funeral Home January 22, 2005 from 1-3:30 p.m. with a memorial service to celebrate his life to follow at 4 p.m. Deacon Bill Johnson of The Church of St. Patricks, St. Charles will officiate.

Private family interment will follow at a later date.