Robert Tracy Oversby, 94, loving husband, father, grandfather and friend passed into eternal life on Sunday, Dec. 18, 2011, under the expert care of the nurses and doctors on the Oncology Unit at Kootenai Medical Center, surrounded by his loving wife and family with prayers by the hospital chaplain.

Bob was born in Cle Elum, Wash., on Dec. 21, 1916.

He was a World War II veteran; received basic training and competed as a welter weight boxer at Farragut Naval Training Base. Bob was deployed to the Pacific Theater on the USS Blackhawk AD-9 as an electrician mate second class. He retired after 30 years from the Pacific Bell Telephone Co. in 1977 and then moved with his wife, Wanda, to Coeur d'Alene where the two have been members of Coeur d'Alene Bible Church.

During his life, Bob enjoyed lively family gatherings, telling glorious stories, the great outdoors, fishing and especially gardening. He was a fan of the Green Bay Packers and particularly enjoyed spending time with his pets, like his kitty, "Marshmallow."

Bob is survived by his adoring wife of 36 years and 10 children, Karen Clarke, Steven Oversby, Deborah Olinger, Annabel Rondeau, Allan Barber, George Barber, Matthew Barber, Valance Barber, Nathan Barber and Neva Hieb; 20 grandchildren; and his sister, Lorna Carol Fitzepatrick.

A graveside service will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 21, 2011, at Coeur d'Alene Memorial Gardens. Yates Funeral Home, Coeur d'Alene Chapel, is in care of the arrangements.

The family prefers memorials in his name to (a) World Vision, (b) Salvation Army, (c) Union Gospel Mission or (d) Kootenai Humane Society.

You may visit Robert's memorial and sign his online guest book at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com.