Robert Schlechter

July 29, 1931 -- Jan. 26, 2014

"Bob" Schlechter was born to Lois and Robert R. Schlechter of Mountain Home, Idaho, in the summer of 1931.

Always the "hometown boy," Bob grew up ranching, fishing, rounding up wild horses and tractors! He loved the trumpet and bugle and being the older, caring brother to Louise, Marjorie, Dorothy and Trudy.

Upon graduation from Mountain Home High School in 1949, Bob enlisted in the Navy. He served with pride and patriotism on the aircraft carriers Antietam and Yorktown. He was honorably discharged in 1954.

On leave in California, Bob met and deeply loved for 29 years, Margaret A. Schumacher. With $25 in a bank account, a convertible and two friends, Bob and Peggy eloped to Las Vegas. They were the proud parents of three children, Charles, Michael and Katy.

Bob began a distinguished career with General Telephone Company of Southern California in 1955. Starting out as a splicer, Bob moved up the ladder to lineman and by the time of his retirement in 1987 he held the position of outside plant superintendent for the greater Santa Monica to Santa Barbara area.

It was during his time with GTE that his life-long friendships with Larry and Bob and his love for fishing and sailing increased. Bob never learned to swim, but he loved the ocean. Every weekend was spent sailing to Catalina Island with his wife and daughter.

Peggy preceded Bob in death in 1981. Their ashes will be joined at sea.

Bob's sons, Michael and Charles, and his long-time friend and traveling companion, Valerie Curtis and his sisters, Louise Taylor and Marjorie Dykes, also preceded him in death.

Idaho, family and Meridian drew Bob back "home" in 1992.

Bob passed quietly and peacefully from cancer on Jan. 26.

He is survived by his daughter, the Rev. Kate Schlechter of Santa Fe, N.M., his grand dog, Otis the pug, and sisters Trudy (Don) Shearer of Boise and Dorothy (Warren) Longwill of Spokane, Wash. Bob was beloved by his entire family

and was a favorite uncle to many nieces, nephews, and countless friends and family of choice.

Graveside services with the American Legion Post #26 Honor Guard will be held at Mountain Home Cemetery on Feb. 16 at 11 a.m. All are invited to attend.

Memorials may be given to Life's Doors Hospice of Boise, the American Heart Association or the American Legion Post #26.