Robert E. Gracely

Robert E. Gracely

Bob was born in Spencerville, Ohio July 1, 1925. When he was 6 months old the family moved to Long Beach, California. Upon graduating from Woodrow Wilson High School in 1943 he joined the U.S. Air Force and became a navigator with the rank of 2nd Lieutenant. When he returned to Long Beach after the war, he attended Long Beach City College and was an active member of the football team.

Bob owned and operated California Vacuum Cleaner Co. as a very successful business until his retirement in 1988. He married Patricia in 1979 and when they retired in 1988, they moved to Grants Pass to be near their Oregon family.

Bob enjoyed playing golf and bowling in his spare time.

He was a member of the Long Beach Elks and the Grants Pass American Legion.

Bob’s greatest joy and pride was his FAMILY he so loved being a husband, father and grandfather. After his family came the love he had for his COUNTRY. He was a very proud Veteran and felt so honored to have been able to service his country during World War II.

He is survived by his wife, Patricia A. Gracely of Grants Pass, Oregon; sons Ronald Gracely of Garden Grove, California and Barry Gracely of Kingman, Arizona; daughter Margie Powell of Captain Cook, Hawaii; 14 grandchildren; 25 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; and a sister Betty Cronin of Long Beach, California.

Two children, son Robert A. Gracely and daughter Karen Rossiter; his parents, Charles & Elsie Gracely; brother Charles Gracely and sister Madge Smith pre-deceased him.

He is much loved and will be missed by many family members and friends.