ROBERT L. (BOB) ST. JOHN, SR., 71, of Port Charlotte, Florida, passed away Saturday evening, June 7, 2008 at his home completely surrounded by his loving family, with his devoted wife of 53 years and high school sweetheart holding his hand.

Bob was born Robert Lee St. John on July 6th, 1936 in Fort Wayne, Indiana to Chester Lloyd and Evlyn Dorothy (nee-Reese) St. John. He entered the U.S. Air Force at age 17 and proudly served his country for over 20 years. He was a Crew Chief on the Air Forces KC97’s and B36’s. He attended schooling in Colorado and received high honors to become a flight engineer on a C141. He flew the world over, and during the Vietnam War flew 57 combat missions in and out of Vietnam. Before retiring in 1974 he became a Flight Simulator Instructor. Bob retired to Port Charlotte following his retirement that same year with his family where he and his wife opened Florida Marble of Charlotte County, Inc., which became the first cultured marble manufacturing business in Charlotte County. It remained a family owned and operated business for 33 years.

During his life in Florida, he enjoyed sailing, traveling to the mountains in the family motor home, riding his motorcycle, going on cruises, and enjoyed his many hobbies with family and friends.

A devoted son, father and grandfather, he is survived by his beloved family; wife Carole J. St. John; sons, Robert L. St. John, Jr. (wife-Julia) of Avon Park, FL, and Randall A. St. John (wife-Laura) of Port Charlotte; daughter, Melody L. Aniskewicz (husband-Chris) of Port Charlotte; 9 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren; his mother, Evlyn D. St. John of Placerville, CA, two brothers, one sister, several nieces and nephews, and his loving cats Bubba and Angel. He was preceded in death by his father Chester, two sisters, Pat Palmer of Port Charlotte and Tharon Baker of California, and a son, Donald St. John of Port Charlotte on March 26 of this year.