GARMAN, Robert Clifford Webb - b. June 3, 1940 - d. February 22, 2009

[patyrn]

Robert Clifford Webb "Bob" Garman, age 68, was born June 3, 1940 to Martha Ellen (Raedeker) Garman and Clare Allan Garman in Cushing, Oklahoma.  He left this life February 22, 2009. 

Robert graduated from Harding High School in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma in 1958.  He enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1958 and served three years on the USS Independence aircraft carrier.  He met and married Connie Marie Jones on September 30, 1961 in Wichita, Kansas.  He attended Wichita State University and eventually graduated after 12 years from the University of Rochester, New York with a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering.  He was hauntingly brilliant.

Robert (or Bob, as many called him) built an IMSAI 8080 computer circuit-by-circuit in 1976, a Heathkit television by hand, and a Bradley GT2 (from 1978 to 1998--the only car to be officially an antique on the day it was completed).  Bob loved the adrenaline rush from riding a motorcycle.  He owned many during his lifetime and was even rumored to have driven one through the halls of his high school, which was frowned upon.  He made numerous cross-country trips and raced both enduro and motocross when he lived in California in the 70s.  He even got to ride once with Steve McQueen.  Bob's favorite movie of all time was "On Any Sunday".

Bob was the ultimate computer "gru".  After serving as a programmer/analyst for Xerox in California on such projects as the Domino project, he ventured into business for himself and moved his family to Oklahoma City from California in 1975.  He returned to Xerox in 1977 and served the rest of his years as a systems analyst, sales analyst, instructor, and color specialist in Oklahoma City, Tulsa, Leesburg, Virginia, and Lewisville, Texas.  He retired from Xerox in 2004 and settled in Moline, Kansas.  During his retirement, he wrote the utilities billing system for the city of Moline, Kansas.

He is survived by his wife, Connie (Jones) Garman of the home in Moline, Kansas; his son, Scott Garman of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; his daughter and husband, Andrea and Kevin Decker of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; four grandchildren, Hannah, Gretchen, Dustin, and Lorelei Decker of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; many aunts and cousins; sister-in-law and husband, Judy and Van VanCleave of Moline, Kansas;  brother-in-law and wife, Bob and Joyce Jones of Wichita, Kansas; as well as many beloved nieces and nephews.

Cremation has taken place, and a memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, February 27, 2009 at the United Methodist Church in Moline, Kansas with Pastor Chantilly Lovelace and Pastor Gary Parsons officiating.  Family suggests contributions to the United Methodist Church in Moline and may be left with the funeral home.  Online condolences may be left at www.countrysidefh.com.  Arrangements are under the direction of Zimmerman Funeral Home, 206 E. Washington, P.O. Box 1233, Howard, Kansas  67349.

(taken from the Countryside Funeral Home website)