Robert "Bob" E. Stong

Centennial, CO — Whether you knew Bob from volunteering, golf, United Methodist Church, Holly Creek, or the Kentucky Colonels, or you just heard his voice on the Holly Creek radio station. You knew the “larger than life” personality of Bob Stong.  Robert “Bob” Earl Stong, died peacefully Tuesday the 5th of December, 2023 at Holly Creek Retirement Community. He was 97 years old.

Born July 14, 1926 in Lafayette, IN. Bob was the oldest son of Earl M. Stong and Susie Berkenpas Stong. Bob graduated from Purdue University in 1951.

He met his wife of 66 years, Christiana “Ann” Abbott Stong while pursuing a mechanical engineering degree at Purdue University in 1948. Bob served in the U.S. Navy during World War II. They had two children, Robert “Rob” E. Stong, Jr. and Christiana “Christy” Stong Blakely.

Bob’s 30 year career with Caterpillar Tractor Company moved the family from Peoria, IL, to Dallas, TX, to Overland Park, KS, to Nashville, TN, back to Peoria, and finally to Chagrin Falls, OH. In retirement, Ann and Bob split time between Noblesville, IN and Naples, FL before joining both of their childrens’ families in Colorado, where they’ve spent the last 25-years.

Bob was an avid golfer (3 holes-in-one) and loved to, spend time with family and friends. He and Ann traveled the country and the world. 

He will be remembered for his, “tell it like it is” personality.  He often had a joke to tell and a twinkle of mischief in his eye. He had a strong faith and love for his family. He may have greeted you with your name or he made one up, either way, he was glad to see you.

Bob was preceded in death by his wife Ann, his son Rob and his only sibling, Don Stong.

Bob is survived by his daughter Christy, his four grandchildren, Christiana Lauren Blakely, Allison Blakely Rampley, Weston Keith Stong and Cassandra Ann Stong, and his four great-grandchildren, Andrew, Matthew, and Kate Rampley and Miles Stong.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Family Voices CO  https://www.familyvoicesco.org or the charity of your choice in Bob Stong's name.

Information on services for Bob Stong:

Visitation December 13, 5:30-8 PM at Horan & McConaty, 5303 E. County Line Road, Centennial, CO 80122

Burial December 14, 11AM sharp, Ft Logan Staging Area C, 3698 S Sheridan Blvd., Denver, CO 80236

Service December 14, 1:30PM, at Holly Creek 5500 E Peakview Ave, Centennial, CO 80121

Donations can be made to Family Voices CO https://www.familyvoicesco.org  or a charity of your choice.

Please share memories and condolences with Bob’s family by signing the guestbook.