Robert Alexander 'Bob' Daffer

Robert Alexander 'Bob' Daffer

April 1, 1922 - March 17, 2016

McCOOK, Neb. -- Robert Alexander "Bob" Daffer, age 93, passed away peacefully Thursday, March 17, 2016, at his residence at Brookdale McCook.

Robert was born April 1, 1922, to Elmer A. and Helen M. (Green) Daffer in McCook. He grew up in the Lebanon and Danbury area and graduated from Danbury High School in 1940.

In Robert's senior year his football team won the state championship for six-man football.

He entered the U.S. Army on June 4, 1940, and was honorably discharged on Oct. 5, 1945. During his service he was a member of the 380th Bomber Group and flew the B-24 bomber in the South Pacific region, completing 37 bombing missions. Robert attained the rank of 1st Lieutenant and was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for his harrowing mission over Formosa.

On Nov. 3, 1943, he married Marie Katheryn Rue in San Antonia, Texas. To this union three children were born: Robert Jr., Daniel and Kathie.

After the service, Robert and Marie moved back to Nebraska, where he taught school one year at Danbury High School. The following year he started farming with his father and brother, Alan, and continued to farm until his retirement.

Robert was a member of the Lebanon Presbyterian Church, where he was an elder for many years and a member of the American Legion Post No. 313 for 57 years. He also served on the school board for several terms, including the reorganization board for the school consolidation and was on the ASCS board.

In his free time away from farming, he loved to fish, travel and spend time with his family. Robert was an avid sports fan and was very money-minded and enjoyed watching and investing in the stock market.

Survivors include his wife, Marie of McCook; son, Daniel W. (Janet Stephens) Daffer of Denver; daughter, Kathie M. (Dan) Turley of Valley Center, Kan.; brother, Alan Daffer (Frances) of Cambridge; sister, Beatrice Wilson of Dudee, Ill.; and daughter-in-law, Marilyn Daffer of Independence, Mo.; brother-in-law, Teddie (Martha) Rue of Denton, Texas; seven grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Elmer and Helen; son, Robert Alexander Daffer, Jr.; sister, Margaret Reagan; brother-in-law, Bill Reagan; brother-in-law, Ray Wilson, and sister-in-law, Dorothy Edwards.

Visitation is today until 8 p.m. at Carpenter Breland Funeral Home.

Funeral services will be 10 a.m. on Tuesday, March 22, 2016, at Carpenter Breland Funeral Home with Dewayne Jackson officiating. Burial with military honors will be in the Lebanon Cemetery.

Memorials may be given in his name.

Friends may send condolences online at www.carpenterbreland.com.

Carpenter Breland Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements