Obituaries

Robert Gale Surface

Photo of Robert Gale Surface
Robert Gale Surface, age 89, of Lohman, Mo., passed away Saturday, September 8, 2012, at Jefferson City Nursing and Rehab. Robert was born on June 5, 1923, in Elston, Mo., to Ira and Mary (Ecton) Surface. He was married on October 24, 1945, at St. Paul's Lutheran Church, Lohman, Mo., to Martha Hoffman. Robert attended high school in Reno, Nev., where his family moved after his father passed away to be near his grandparents. He served in the United States Navy during World War II from 1942 - 1945 as a Submarine Mechanic. He retired after 20 years from the Capital City Water Company. He was very active in the Community of Lohman, serving as Mayor for the City, attending townboard meetings, and the Lohman Community Club. Robert enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, gardening, fishing, Cardinals baseball, playing cards, barbequing, woodworking; constructing birdhouses, building doll houses for his granddaughters, and spending many quiet moments with his pet cat, Smoky. He was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church, Jefferson City, Mo., serving as an usher, a member of the counting team, and mowing grass for many years. Survivors include his wife of 66 years, Martha Surface; his son, Terry (Geraldine) Surface, of Jefferson City, Mo.; his daughter, Donna (Mark) Linhardt of Florissant, Mo.; six grandchildren, and 12 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, one brother, Albert Surface; one sister, Ruth Engelage; and one granddaughter. Friends will be received from 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, September 12, 2012, at the Trinity Lutheran Church, where funeral services will follow at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. Samuel Powell officiating. Interment with full military honors will follow at Hawthorn Memorial Gardens. Memorials are suggested to the Trinity Lutheran Building Fund or the Jefferson City Nursing and Rehab, memories care unit. Arrangements are under the direction of HOUSER-MILLARD Funeral Directors, 2613 W. Main St., (573) 636-3838. Condolences may be left for the family online at www.millardfamilychapels.com

Published September 11, 2012