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Robert Louis De Soto
02/13/1949 — 04/21/2015
From Benton City, WA | Born in Portland, OR
Robert Louis De Soto
Robert Louis De Soto (Bob) beloved husband, brother, uncle and friend passed away peacefully at Sacred Heart Hospital in Spokane, WA on April 21, 2015 at the age of 66.
Bob was born February 13, 1949 to Jem De Soto and Ura Oreita (Smith) De Soto in Portland, Oregon. He was the fifth son of seven children.
Bob is survived by his beloved wife, soul mate and best friend for 37 years Robbie De Soto, he had two dogs Maggie Mae and Sparky he adored a lot. He also leaves behind two brothers David De Sota (Ocean Shores) and Jack De Soto (West Richland) and one sister Finis Marie De Soto (Benton City) and he also leaves behind numerous nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews and one great-great nephew.
The family settled in West Richland, WA where he grew up. During his early years he attended school in the Richland School District. He graduated from Columbia High School (Richland) in 1967. After high school he attended Columbia Basin College.
In 1969 he went into the Navy, and after schooling went into the Nuclear Sub division until his honorable discharge in 1975.
He and Robbie met in 1977 and were married on June 8, 1991 and made their home in Richland until the last nine years they have lived in Benton City where his sister lives.
He worked in the Hanford area from 1975 until he retired in 2004. Then he worked as a security guard for Guardsmark at Boise Cascade from 2005 until the time of his death.
He was known by his friend as Aruba Bob and Big Bob. His friends that knew him well were all afraid of his deadly digit. He loved singing Karaoke by himself and with his friends. He also loved to cook and barbeque for his friends and family.
Bob was preceded in death by his father Jem De Soto, mother Ura Oreita (Smith) De Soto, brothers James De Sota, Richard L. De Soto, sister Carole Jean (De Soto) Taylor and great niece Larissa Mary Louise Lawson.
His memorial will be May 9th, 2015 at 2:00pm at Events at Sunset Event Center (915 Bypass Highway, Richland, WA 99352). Following his service there is a Celebration of Life at Ray’s Golden Lion at 1353 George Washington Way in Richland.
I just ran across this obit and wanted to add that I served several years with BOB on SSN579 the USS SWORDFISH. We had great times and adventures both under the sea and on shore. Bob was a very good sailor and friend and I am sorry to hear of his passing.
Bob, was always kind and respectful.
My deepest condolences on your great loss.
You were a good friend and will be missed by all.
Having grown up sitting by Bob through school alphabetically, DeGooyer, DeSoto, he always had a smile and calm patience, a super, classy guy. I enjoyed seeing you both at the recent HS reunions. My thoughts and condolences are with you because it’s so hard to lose a loved one! I am sorry that I can’t be at Bob’s service.
Bob will be greatly missed by his friends and co-workers with Guardsmark. We were pleased to have presented Bob with his 10-year service award just recently. During his lengthy tenure with Guardsmark, Bob was a great mentor for others and an exemplary employee who was always willing to help out when needed. We were honored to have him as part of our team. Please accept our sincere condolences for your loss.
Bob,
You are a great friend with the best smile and heart of gold. See you on the other side.
Bob was a great man to work with at Boise for the 1 year I have been employed here. Always had a smile on his face and enjoyed talking with him on the phone when I had interview candidates showing up at Gate 1. He will be incredibly missed.
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Robert Louis De Soto