Robert (Bob) Eugene Griter passed away at James River Care Center on October 1st in Springfield, Missouri at the age of 72.
Bob is survived by his wife, Janice Griter, son Lance Griter (spouse Teresa), brothers David Leon Sanders, Dennis (Denny) Leroy Sanders of Springfield, MO, Melvin (Mel) Keith Sanders (spouse Pam) of San Clemente, CA, and Sister, Mary Katherine (Kathy) Maulorico (spouse Tony) of Buffalo, MO, Grandkids Jedonna J. & Richmond R. Griter of Springfield, MO, Elijah James Lowe of Pendleton, OR, and many nieces, nephews, in-laws, and cousins.
He is preceded in death by his father Robert Glenn Griter (died in the military when Bob was young), his mother Gladys Louise Sanders (Fenley) and the only father he ever knew, Willard Leon Sanders. Additionally, he is preceded in death by his first wife Jedonna Nadine Griter (Berglund) and his youngest son Erin Travis Griter.
Bob was born on June 23, 1945 in Springfield, Missouri. He spent his school age years in Michigan. He graduated from Allegan High School (Allegan, MI) in 1963.
Bob worked in a number of states over his earlier years as his parents moved from Missouri to Michigan and California, but he spent the bulk of his working age at 3M in Springfield, MO.
Bob and Jedonna raised 2 children together in the Springfield, MO area in the Strafford School District. Unexpectedly, Bob became a widower at the age of 49. Through God’s grace, Bob found a wonderful woman. Bob and Janice were married in October of 1994.
Bob was counting the days to retirement and achieved that goal, retiring from 3M in 2002. Bob always had a knack for fixing things. Many engines, large and small gave up their stubbornness to his skills and determination. “Take it to the shop, and I’ll take a look.” was a common reply to family and friends.
Bob was kind at heart and loved his family greatly.
The memorial visitation is scheduled for Saturday, October 7th, 10:00 am to 12:00 pm at Greenlawn North Funeral Home, Springfield, MO. This will be followed by internment at Eastlawn Cemetery. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Bob’s life. If you prefer, in lieu of flowers, place donations to Fair Haven Children’s Home or Strafford School Foundation in his name.