Robert Russell Colley

Bob peacefully passed away on August 28, 2014 in his Downey home with family present as he had wished. Having been born in Terre Haute, Indiana on September 10, 1923, he was 90. Bob's family moved to Los Angeles when he was 3 and he had never forgotten growing up during the Great Depression. He attended both Garfield and Montebello High Schools. He met the love of his life, Lorraine, while skating at a roller rink in South Gate and they were married at 3:30pm on July 25, 1943 in his mother's home. They were 18 and 19 years old and were married by Bob's step-father, Judge E.P. Wood.  Following a one-night honeymoon, Europe was beckoning the very next day with Bob serving as a corporal in the Army Air Corps in Italy and North Africa during World War II, rarely speaking of his experiences. Oh, he did mention loading cases of beer onto B-17S and flying them at high altitudes to chill the brew.

Following the war, Bob and Lorraine eventually moved to Downey where they built their first home, as well as a tear drop trailer that they used to explore the National Parks.  Having had several prior jobs, Bob eventually joined the Los Angeles County Fire Department in 1952. He was proud to have been a member of the original crew at Station 45 in Lakewood, but served most of his career at Station 50 in the City of Commerce. During this time Bob also had several side businesses such as a firewood yard that was located where the Cerritos Mall is now and later helping Lorraine run Saywell's Flowers in Downey and Lorraine's Flowers and Gifts. Bob and Lorraine both earned their teaching credentials and taught ROP classes during their retirement years.

Bob is survived by his loving wife Lorriane (Laney), his daughter Linda, son and daughter in law Bob and Lawdra, grandchildren Rob, Russell and Liz, great-grandson Robin, along with many nephews, nieces and friends.

Viewing will be at Rose Hills in the Visitation Center on Friday, September 12, 2014 from 5 to 8:30 p.m.

Funeral Service will be held at Hillside Chapel in Rose Hills on September 13, 2014 at 1 p.m.

Celebration of Life Reception will be following at Rio Hondo Country Club in Downey.

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Published: Sept. 4, 2014 - Volume 13 - Issue 21