Robert J Spooner

Robert Joseph Spooner “Bob” passed away on July 26, 2020 at the age of 94.  He was born on January 10th, 1926 in Havre, MT to Myrtle Shinners Spooner from Plentywood, MT and Joseph Spooner from Joplin, MT.  He was the oldest of seven children.  When he was five years old, they moved from MT to Washington to farm on the Spokane River by Davenport, WA  They eventually moved to a farm in Benewah County, outside of St Maries, ID.  He graduated from St. Maries High School.

Bob was drafted into the United States Army in 1944, and before basic training was over, he was sent to Europe and reached Aachen, Germany where he joined Co. B, 120th Infantry Reg.,  30th Infantry Division under Captain Pulver.  He was in several campaigns in Germany and liberated a concentration camp.  He received an Honorable Discharge in 1946 as a CPL, along with many medals including the Combat Infantry Badge and Bronze Star.

After returning home to St. Maries he learned to fly and got his pilot’s license.  Bob met Jeannie Root and they were married in St. Maries in 1950.  They had 2 children.  Bob was a gypo logger until 1957 when a logging accident stopped him from returning to the woods.  They moved to Spokane, WA, where he went to work for the Army Corps of Engineers.  While with the Corps, they lived in Washington, Montana and South Dakota.  The family moved to Libby in 1969 for the construction of Libby Dam.

Bob could fix about anything mechanical and was a good carpenter as he built their home here in Libby and lived there until his death.  He was a member of St. Joseph’s parish, and a life member of the VFW.  Bob was preceded in death by his wife, Jeannie; his parents; brothers Donald and Jim; sisters Elizabeth and Margaret.

He is survived by his daughter Lana (Scott) and son Lance (Kelly); brother Dewey Spooner; sister Kay Sather; four grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.  Private family graveside services were held Friday, July 31st, 2020 at the City of Libby Cemetery.  Arrangements were under the care of Schnackenberg Funeral Home of Libby.  Online condolences and memories may be shared by visiting www.schnackenbergfh.com.

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