Robert "Bob" Greear, 87, Sturgis, died Sunday, July 18, 2010, at Sturgis Regional Senior Care.

Robert "Bob" Greear was born in Onalaska, WA, to John Wesley and Ellen Myers Greear on June 25, 1923. He worked at the Sipus Creek CCC Camp then joined the Army at Ft. Lewis, WA, in 1943. He was stationed at the Rapid City Army Air Base and was a top turret gunner, medic, and part of the fire crew on the flight line.

Robert loved the Black Hills, especially when he noticed Inez Marie Meirose in a café in Rapid City; they married on October 14, 1944. He started Bob's Plumbing and Heating in 1950. In the 60's, he began working for Davenport Water Company; he stayed on when it became Sturgis Water Company and retired from the role as maintenance supervisor at age sixty-three. After retirement, he worked as a consultant for Lane Minnesota Company of Minneapolis. He spent forty-two years with the Sturgis Volunteer Fire Department; he was among other volunteer fire fighters at the Tilford fire and the first Deadwood fire. Robert was a founding member and president of the Black Hills Four Wheelers as well as a founder of the Black Hills Four Wheeler Search and Rescue organization. Robert also served on the Sturgis park board.

He is survived by his brothers, Willard "Bud," Richard "Dick," and Jack Greear, all of Washington State. He leaves his beloved wife, Inez of Sturgis as well as his children, Robert (Maryann) of Clearmont, WY, Rosalee Johnson of Dayton, OH, Michael (Kerry) of Whitewood, and Timothy of Spearfish. His spirit lives on in his seven grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; one son, Mark; one brother, Edwin; and three sisters, Marian, Pearl, and Clarice.

Visitation will be Wednesday from noon until 9:00 p.m. and will resume Thursday from 8:00 a.m. until service time at Kinkade Funeral Chapel.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, July 22, 2010, at 1:30 p.m. at Kinkade Funeral Chapel with Pastor Herbert B. Cleveland officiating. Burial will follow at Black Hills National Cemetery, with military honors provided by the Sturgis Veteran's Honor Guard.

A memorial has been established to the Sturgis Parks Department.