Robert "Bob" Warth

Our dear father, grandfather, and husband, Robert Leland Warth, returned home on September 25, 2020 having lived a courageous and remarkable life. He was born in the summer of 1948 to Robert Warth and Rosetta Green Warth. From an early age Robert had a spark for life and a love for family relationships and activities. He would often speak fondly of early memories of family gatherings. This included recollections of family reunions, trail riding in the foothills around the Pocatello valley, and catching brook trout and frogs in the local streams and beaver ponds. His love for those closest to him would often be manifest in good-natured joking, pranks and teasing. Such shenanigans fostered warm family bonds and many laughs and smiles. Bobs quick wit and brilliant sense of humor was an integral part of family get-togethers and will be greatly missed. He attended Greenacres Elementary School, Franklin Junior High School, and graduated from Pocatello High School. From his youth, Robert was a talented artist and enjoyed drawing and creating with his hands. He had a great appreciation for all types of music, and played the baritone, and trombone. He was athletic and enjoyed track and field and played as an offensive receiver in high school football. He spoke several languages. Following high school, he enlisted to serve his country in the United States Army during the Vietnam War. He served honorably, and completed many courses of military education certification including air traffic control. He served as a Huey helicopter pilot in the Army Air Corps in the 134th Assault Helicopter Company of the 1st Aviation Brigade, and is highly decorated. A non-inclusive list of his commendations includes several Purple Hearts, The Bronze Star, The Silver Star, The Air Medal with a V Device (for valor) on 21 separate occasions, multiple Presidential Citations, The Army Commendation Medal, and was nominated for the Congressional Medal of Honor including having his name read in the halls of congress. While Robert rarely spoke of his wartime experiences and commendations, the Veterans Association has informed his family that he is one of the most decorated veterans in the State of Idaho. A deep love and faith in his Savior and Redeemer were guiding principles in his life. Such was reflected in his quiet acts of service and ministering to his fellow man. This was typically accomplished without request or recognition. He also served honorably in many official capacities in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, including being a dedicated home teacher/minister, elders quorum president, ward mission leader, teaching scouts, and temple ordinance worker. His kindness and generosity were an outstanding example to his posterity. Our parents have a beautiful love story. Robert met and married on January 23, 1971 the love of his life, Vivian Rosa. He only had eyes for her during the fifty years they were together. Family was the most important thing to Dad. He spent many hours in fun activities with his children from the time they were born until they were adults. He cherished his grandchildren and the feeling was mutual. He always made the simple things fun with numerous Sunday afternoon drives, hot-dog and marshmallow roasts, bonfires, ice-cream runs, and lots of spooky stories. His family's comfort and well-being were at the heart of Roberts concerns in life. In addition to working the demanding hours of a railroad conductor, together with Vivian, he built a five-level home with his own two hands. It had a beautiful circular staircase and an elegant china display case. He built an above-ground swimming pool, a barn, a playhouse with lights that really turned on, a replica Fort Apache, rocking horses, and chairs for the grandchildren. He completed a beautiful bedroom suite for Vivian including the dresser, bed, and night tables. One of his favorite hobbies was model railroading, which he shared with his cousin David. He was an avid observer of the skies and taught us all about the planets and constellations. We spent many hours in star parties learning from Dad. He built a full-size observatory to house his 15-inch Meade Dobsonian telescope which was the largest amateur scope in the state at the time. Family and holiday gatherings with immediate and extended family were important to Robert. Many cherished memories were created and fostered through those gatherings. A beautiful bond and much love remains in his heart for his siblings, in-laws, nieces, nephews, and their posterity. Such will certainly endure the tests of time. He is survived by his wife, Vivian; his daughter and sons, Angie (Ean) Harker, Rob (Angela) Warth, Matthew (Lydia) Warth, Andrew Warth, and Christopher (Jentry) Bullard; grandchildren are Samantha Harker, Timothy Harker, Elizabeth Harker, Sierra Warth, Joshua Harker, Diana Harker, Robbie Warth, Ean Harker Jr., Bridger Warth, Remington Warth, Matthew D. Warth, Airebella Bullard, Aaiyah Bullard, Austyn Bullard, and Emily Warth. Roberts siblings are Yvonne (Ron) Christensen, Ronald (Carolyn) Warth, Susan (Gary) Chaves, and Kendall (Melinda) Warth. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Richard (Patricia) Warth. There will be a public viewing on Wednesday, September 30, 2020 from 5-7 pm at Colonial Funeral Home, 2005 S. 4th Ave. Pocatello, ID. Private family services will be held on Thursday.