Robert “Bob” Winston Garra, 88, of Marion, passed away at 4:18 am on Friday, July 9, 2021, at Miller’s Merry Manor in Marion. Bob (spelled with one “o” as he would often say), was born in Alliance, Ohio, on Sunday, February 19, 1933, to Kenneth and Orpha (Jones) Garra.
Bob is survived by Vervalee D. Garra, his wife and love of his life for 67 years; their two daughters, Bonnie (Mike) Thompson of Marion and Phyllis (Chris) Villarreal of Meridian, ID; four grandchildren: Sarah Thompson of Waimea, HI; Laura Israel of Minneola, FL; Cristobal Villarreal of Gig Harbor, WA; and Aaron Villarreal of Lakebay, WA; eight great-grandchildren; and brother, Neil (Dorothy) Garra of Alliance, OH.
His sisters, Naomi Bixler and Arnita Sukosd, as well as two brothers, Richard Garra and Arlan Garra, preceded him in death.
Bob attended Cleveland Bible College (now Malone College) in Cleveland, Ohio. He worked at World Gospel Mission in Marion as Director of Data Processing for 20 years. He then pastored several Friends churches in the area, either as senior, visitation, or interim pastor prior to his retirement.
Bob was an avid motorcycle rider and RC model airplane builder and flyer. He belonged to both The Christian Motorcyclists Association and Converse Flying Eagles Club. His grandchildren remember him fondly for his magic tricks and practical jokes.
On Sunday, July 25, 2021, from 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm, a memorial visitation to celebrate Bob’s life will be held in the Fellowship Hall at Marion First Friends Church, 2211 N. Wabash Rd., Marion, IN 46952.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to First Friends Church.
Arrangements are entrusted to Needham-Storey-Wampner Funeral Service, North Chapel, 1341 N. Baldwin Ave., Marion, IN.
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