Robert "Bob" Clarence Stepp

Surrounded by family, Robert Clarence Stepp ‘Bob' died peacefully from natural causes and woke up in the Arms of Jesus, December 4, 2016 at the age of 87. Bob was born December 20, 1928 in Childress, Texas to Joshua and Mattie Stepp. He graduated high school in Azle, Texas and then served in the Army as a Motor Sgt. 1954-1956. He served in the National Guard before and after he was in active duty. He also worked at Consolidated Aircraft/Convair.

While on weekend leave he stopped at a local diner and met a beautiful young waitress, Betty Gilman, not realizing that she would soon become his wife when they eloped on August 31, 1955 in Hamilton, Texas after only a 30 day courtship. In 1957 their first child was born and two years later they would all move from Texas to Idaho to help his brother, our beloved Uncle Al homestead property northwest of Paul, Idaho in the Crestview area. Bob helped farm and raise cattle/hogs until 2002 when they moved to Rupert, Idaho. He was also a carpenter and contractor who helped build several houses locally and in the Hulen Meadows subdivision in Ketchum, Idaho.

Through the years he participated in the National Farmers Organization and the Lions Club. He loved gardening, playing pinochle with friends and fishing. Bob and Betty enjoyed square dancing with the River Reelers. He had a very private relationship with his Lord and Savior and considered the Methodist Church his place of worship.

His smile and laughter was always inviting to anyone that met him. He was a very caring and generous man. But mostly, he was an adoring and loving husband, father and grandfather. Being with family gave him great joy. He taught his children unconditional love, courage, compassion and respect for others. He always said,"tell the truth to avoid consequences, drive safe, especially when we had ‘special cargo' (his grandkids) on board, be respectful to your elders and love your family!"

He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Betty, three children, Donna Kruger (Roger), Connie Griffin (Pete) and Larry Stepp (Ronda), Grandkids: Brian, Brandon, Dana, Darren, Priscilla, Alaina, Great Grandkids: Ava, Cash, Olivia, Addison, Shelby. He is also survived by two sisters Majella and JoAnn. He was preceded in death by his parents, Brenda (granddaughter), Cecil (brother), Laverne (sister), seven half-brothers and two half-sisters.

A special thanks to the caregivers at the Pomerelle Place, Rupert Home Health and Auburn Crest Hospice.

A memorial service will be held on December 10, 2016 at 4:30 PM at the Rupert Methodist Church, 605 H St., Rupert, Idaho. Bob will always be remembered and truly missed by his family and friends. Please share your memories with friends as we fellowship together directly following the service.

A private family interment will be held prior to the memorial service. In lieu of flowers a memorial can be made to the Minidoka County Senior Citizen Center or the Rupert Methodist Church. Funeral Service Date of Service: Dec. 10, 2016