Robert Cherry

Robert Doil Cherry was born on January 11, 1947 in Bakersfield, California and went to be with the Lord on August 20, 2012 at the age of 65 after a long illness. He is survived by his supportive wife of 37 years, Laurel Cherry; his loving daughter, of Ithaca, NY, Elizabeth (Bitsy) Cherry and her fiancé Nathanael Nerode; his brothers Jim Cherry (Kathy) of Tehachapi, CA, Wayne Cherry (Carla) and Leroy Cherry of Bakersfield, CA; his sisters Merle (Cherry) Grant of Wheatland, CA and Linda (Cherry) Forkade (Chuck Forkade) of Bakersfield, CA; and many nephews, nieces, aunts, uncles, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents, Ralph and Edna (Herd) Cherry; and his brother-in-law, Gordon Grant. After graduating from North High School in Oildale, CA at the age of 18 in 1965, Robert joined the Air Force, attending boot camp at Lackland AFB in Texas, Tech School at Keesler AFB in Mississippi, and then was stationed at Edwards AFB in California. He went to Viet Nam in 1968, serving in Combat Support with the Army, radioing target locations to Air Force Pilots. He was discharged after Viet Nam in 1969. After returning from military service, Robert attended Bakersfield College, graduating in 1971. Later in Santa Clara he attended Mission College. In 1975, Robert married Laurel Shader, and was loyal to her for 37 years. They enjoyed serving the Lord together. Their only child, Elizabeth, was born in 1976 in Bakersfield, CA. Robert shared the joy he found in life with his daughter. He watched her grow up, cherishing and remembering each moment. Robert's goal in life was to serve his Lord and to care for his family. After his service in the Air Force, Robert constructed and painted houses, served as a Security Officer, and later in Santa Clara was a QA Tech working with computers. His love of math, airplanes, computers, astronomy and chess showed his intelligence and wisdom. He will be missed by his family, friends, fellow Veterans, and the Band of Brothers at Timberline Church. A celebration of Robert's life will be held at 1:00 pm Wednesday, August 29th in the south auditorium at Timberline Church, 2908 Timberline Road, Fort Collins, Pastor Rob Cowles officiating. In lieu of flowers or donations, Robert would appreciate all of us helping those around us who are in need.