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Bob Boozer Obituary
His friends and family remember him more for his humility and service to others.
Boozer died of a brain aneurysm Saturday afternoon at an Omaha hospital. Ella Boozer, his wife of 46 years, said Sunday that he had become ill Friday night while visiting friends. He was 75.
"Bob always said that he got everything you could have ever gotten from playing basketball," she said.
Boozer was the No. 1 pick in the 1959 NBA draft after he earned All-America honors his junior and senior seasons at Kansas State. The 6-foot-8 forward retired after winning the 1971 NBA title with the Milwaukee Bucks.
One of his great joys was playing with Jerry West, Oscar Robertson and Jerry Lucas on the gold medal-winning 1960 Olympic team. He went on to average 14.8 points and 8.1 rebounds for six professional teams.
Boozer and his teammates on the '60 Olympic team were inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2010. The star-studded squad won eight games by an average of 42.4 points, and 10 of the players reached the NBA. Boozer was a reserve who played mostly a defensive role.
"We had so many shooters on the Olympic team that he didn't get to shoot it like he did in college," Robertson said. "Bob never ever complained."
The Olympic experienced forged a half-century friendship between Boozer and Robertson. The two spoke the day before Boozer died about projects Boozer had planned.
"Bob was a nice guy who wasn't too talkative, and neither was I," Robertson said. "We came from the same type of background and just hit it off. He was just a pleasure to be around."
Boozer rarely spoke about his basketball exploits unless asked. If he used his celebrity, it was to help him give back to his hometown, particularly helping inner-city youth in North Omaha.
"Bob wasn't just a great individual for himself, but also for the city of Omaha and state of Nebraska," Robertson said.
Born and raised in Omaha, Boozer became one of the greatest players ever at Kansas State. He averaged 21.9 points for his career, and his 25.2 points a game as a senior is second in school history to Michael Beasley's 26.2 points in 2007-08. Boozer led the Wildcats to the NCAA Final Four as a junior, and as a senior he helped K-State to a No. 1 ranking in the final regular-season poll.
Boozer delayed entering the NBA for a year so he could retain his amateur status for the Olympics. He averaged 6.8 points for the American team that beat Brazil 90-63 for the gold medal in Rome.
Ella Boozer said her husband took delight in good-natured arguments about whether the 1960 Olympic team was better than the 1992 "Dream Team," which included Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson, Larry Bird and Charles Barkley. She said Bird joked with Boozer about how the '60 Olympians had to swim across the Atlantic Ocean to get to Rome and had to live on a dollar day.
The Chicago Bulls selected Boozer in the 1966 expansion draft, and he averaged 20.4 points and 8.7 rebounds in three seasons with the team. He made his only All-Star appearance in 1968 while with the Bulls. He played with Robertson and Lew Alcindor while winning the '71 title with the Bucks.
Bulls teammate Bob Love said he remembered Boozer for the running hook shots he took as he crossed the lane.
"You couldn't block his shot," Love said. "He had those long arms and wide body. He couldn't jump real high, but he had a quick shot. He'd get his shot off and get back under the hoop and put the ball back in the hole."
Off the court, Love said, Boozer was a caring individual who was quick with a smile.
"We would call each other and go on trips together with the retired players association," Love said. "He was always so concerned about the other players and how they were doing."
Boozer returned to Omaha after his playing days and worked as an executive for the telephone company. He was appointed to the Nebraska Parole Board in the 1990s and volunteered at Boys Town, the home for troubled youth.
Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman said Boozer was one of the state's great ambassadors. Boozer worked on a number of educational programs with Heineman's wife, Sally Ganem. He was particularly interested in helping young African-Americans achieve their goals, Heineman said.
"He never forgot where he came from," the governor said.
Ella Boozer said her husband had been in good health before he fell ill while having dinner with friends on Friday evening. He was taken by ambulance to a hospital, where the aneurysm was discovered. Ella Boozer said she and her son decided to take him off life support Saturday afternoon.
Funeral arrangements were pending.
Copyright © 2012 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
133 Entries
Harry Simpson
May 19, 2016
Thank you for sharing a part of your life with us.
Wille Mitchell
January 1, 2013
I am slightly younger than Bob Boozer and attended Tech High a few years later. I did not know him personally but I followed his career closely and he was an inspiration to me. I just learned of his death on the NBA Channel and was very saddened.
My very best wishes to his family, he led a life that we all can be proud of.
How you can show support
Shirley McCray
July 28, 2012
my heart goes out to the familys.Please know that he is in a better place
June 13, 2012
To the BOOZER family sorry for your loss may GOD give you his love, peace, and strength in this time of sorrow. May he R.I.P -|-
Marilyn & Wayne Wiggins
June 5, 2012
R.I.P BOB, U WILL TRULY B MISSED BY MANY, BUT NEVER 4GOTTEN!!! MAY GOD CONTINUE TO BLESS THE BOOZER FAMILY DURING THIS!!!!
Mary Anne Cotlage
June 5, 2012
I give my condolences to the The Boozer family during this difficult time. We were high school classmates and both graduated in 1955. Bob you be will TRULY missed, but never forgotten....R.I.Paradise BOB..WE LOVE YOU!!!!!!
Jesse Brown
June 2, 2012
My sincere condolences to all of the family. Bob and I grew up from childhood together trying to see who could draw the best looking airplane as little guys at Lake Grade School. I myself just recently lost a wife of 51 years, so this is a double sorry to me. God Bless .
Jesse C. Brown
May 29, 2012
Dear Boozer Family,
My prayers are with your family during this time.
In Spirit,
Jeanette Braxton/Jones Secret, Florida
John Ryzek
May 29, 2012
I remember the Champoinship Season. Too bad there weren't MORE. Will remember Bob.
May 28, 2012
Dear Ella and Mary,
Words cannot begin to express how I feel about your loss. I am speechless. You certainly know that I feel and share your pain.
May God continue to bless you and to keep you in his care.
Let me know if I can be of service to you; and don't hesitate to call me if you need me. I will be giving you a call once things settle abit. Much peace and love.
Arlene Dacus
May 26, 2012
My prayers go out to the Boozer family. God Bless you all. He'll be miss.
Lisa German
May 26, 2012
Mary and Ella, please know you all have our sincere sympathy. I can vividly remember the St Benedict days and the times when you and all my cousins (The Frasier's, Goodwin's and Levison's) would get together and had some joyous times together. Reach out to us, as you know we will alway be there for you all. Prayers are for all to be strong for each other. Much love,
Lisa Tunstall-German
San Antonio, TX
May 26, 2012
Dear Boozer Family,
I am deeply sorry for your loss. Mr Boozer "Bob" was truly a great man. It was a privilege to know him. I'll never forget the first time I met him. I was one of the last of Northwestern Bell Telephone Company's long distance operators trained on a cord board in June,1976. We both worked in the Douglas building at that time. He was a Customer Relations Manager. It seemed like everyone knew who he was, however I had not personally met him yet. I was getting on the elevator, when he came in too. I was looking straight ahead at him, and my eyes were level with his belt buckle. I could feel my face turning beet red! He said "Hi, my name is Bob Boozer", then put his hand out to shake mine. I told him my name & said it was nice to meet you Mr. Boozer. To break the ice, I looked up at him & said "How's the weather up there?" He looked down and said "same as it is down there". We both started laughing simultaneously. By then I had reached the 12th floor. He then said "it was nice to meet you." I then replied, it was nice to meet you Mr. Boozer. He said, "please call me Bob." I knew from that day on that I had the honor of meeting a fine & special person. Through the years, I'd see him, and we'd always pull the "How's the weather?", in the elevator with other people, then both laughing hysterically every time! I had the opportunity of working with him on the same floor in the Dodge building. He was an Executive.(I believe for Public Relations), it was mid 80's. His personality and demeanor was taller than he was! It showed by the way he treated everyone. He was a "genuine" person and was always smiling. His special ways will be so fondly missed and remembered by all who knew him. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers at this difficult time.
Mary Pantoja-Boand
May 25, 2012
To the Boozer family, may God be with during these difficult times. You are in our hearts and prayers.
Brett and Gloria Smith
L. Chase
May 25, 2012
I know that there is a Bob Boozer Blvd & all that, but I did not him personally. What a great tribute & what a great man he must have been for there to have been 24 pages of obituary tributes.
Donna Lawton
May 25, 2012
Ella and Family,
I just learned of Bob's passing today and am so sorry. Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Dr. Homer Williams
May 25, 2012
I lived at West Stadium Hall at KSU in 1958 and 1959 along with Bob and his great friend Don Matuszak. Bob was such an outstanding person as well as a great athelete. I admired him so much and am so very sorry he has passed. He was the very definition of class and my deepest sympathy to his family.
May 25, 2012
To Ella, Mary and all of the family my deepest condolence goes out to you all. May the strength of your family unity carry you through this difficult time, and your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived. Thank you for sharing Bob in doing good things for our community in Omaha, Ne.
Lettie Marshall
Atlanta, GA.
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Dorothy Westerhouse
May 25, 2012
Bob was a year ahead of me in high school and I ran into him several years later as he made a visit to my place of employment at that time. He was just a wonderful gentleman. I am so sorry for your loss and the communities loss as well.
May 24, 2012
Dear Bob Boozer Family,
I remember him when I was about 13 yrs. old. He used to come to my church at Greater Bethlehem Temple at that time and visit. He was famous for basketball and he always had a smile on his face. He executed good teamwork with his teammates. This past year again he visited my church several times (now I am 58). He was a wonderful person. He will be missed.
Shane Dailey
May 24, 2012
What's going on Shane? How is Shane Jr. doing in school and athletics? How is everything going at work? These are just some of the more popular talking points that I was accustomed to getting from my buddy Bob Boozer. I mean, we would talk about these topics at local functions, in the Fraternity Barber Shop EVERY TEN DAYS, or when I talked to him over the telephone. This type of communication and concern is what I am going to miss daily from Bob.
I can truely say that I have never met such a professional on a multitude of levels, that translated life issues and unbelieveable eternal advice, in a way that stuck with me on a daily basis. He was sooooooo kind hearted. I shall ALWAYS be THANKFUL to GOD for the type of man that he blessed me to come in contact with.
Life throws alot of different twists and turns at us. However, one will very rarely run into a man like Mr. Bob Boozer in a life time. May God Bless your entire family and thank you again for allowing me to meet such a wonderful man.
May 24, 2012
May God Bless you all and keep you in HIS arms at this time.
Luthea Johnson Harvey
Booker Rice
May 24, 2012
Ella, I will always remember the fun days we shared during your days with the Bulls. I was shocked and sorry to hear of Bob 's passing. Thanks for the great memories you provided for The Rice family
Dale Barnard
May 24, 2012
To a great player of all time. May you R.I.P.
Bridget Brown
May 24, 2012
I've known Mr Boozer all my life. He and my Mom (Pat Brown) have been friends since grade school. He was a really nice man with a fun personality. Often times when I'd see him somewhere he'd say "When you talk to your Mother tell her I said ...." and it would be something silly. Of course when I'd tell her she'd smile, shake her head and say "That Robert is crazy". I never thought about his "Celeb" status until I was much older but it didn't matter because to my siblings and I, he was just Mr Boozer!
Ms Ella and Ms Mary, Hang on to the memories of him that made you smile and laugh, that's what he would have wanted.
Sharon Sullivan
May 24, 2012
Thank you Bob Boozer for never forgetting where you came from. Thank you for all you have done for Omaha, and especially North Omaha. May your family be blessed and know that we all will miss you so very much.
Ken & Terri Rowan
May 24, 2012
Curt - So sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and Prayers are with you.
Janice Elaine Kelley-Young
May 24, 2012
My Gentle Giant, that is what you were to me. I have cried so many tears since I heard of your passing. You and your wife did so much for me, probably more than either of you will ever know. My Children are shareing this sorrow with me. We lost our Gentle Giant almost a year to the date of you. We talked often, I will miss those talks, you asked about my basketball playing granddaughter Domonique Kelley, she has done well a graduate of UNL and will be assisting with the Womens Basketball team at UNL, and on her way to Grad School. Bob if I could I would sit and tell you all of the things that you have showed me, taught me and told me, those memories I will carry with me all of the days of my life. Rest Well my Good Buddy in Gods sweet and loving Peace. Our years together at the Parole Board will never be forgotten. Love you dear friend and I will miss you so very very much.
JIMMY MARIANI
May 24, 2012
you are now playing on the true "dream team"...and just SEE you with wings!
A fellow-Peorian....
May 24, 2012
Dear Ella, I have great memories of Bob at Tech High, the phone company and as a friend. May your faith in God's hope-filled promise bring you comfort and peace. With heartfelt sympathy and love,
Carole Woods Harris
Tega Cay, SC
Don Devine
May 24, 2012
My condolences to Ella and all of the Boozer family. Bob was a great guy and will be truly missed by all. I am proud to have known him. Rest in peace Bob.
Maxwell Butcher
May 24, 2012
My deepest sympathy to the family. Robert will be sincerely missed. Your favorite "salesman" at Tully's clothing store.
Maxwell "Everett" Butcher
Velma Johnson
May 24, 2012
My condolences to the family from old "friend." May you rest in peace.
Byron Dinwiddie
May 24, 2012
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Beth
May 24, 2012
My condolences to the Boozer family. May the hope of Paradise with the prospect of living forever bring peace and comfort to you.
T Crawford
May 24, 2012
To the Boozer family:
My deepest sympathies for the loss of Mr. Bob Boozer. May God's Word provide you comfort during this difficult time (Isa. 41:10,13)
Terrie Jackson Miller
May 24, 2012
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Donna Augustine-Cardella
May 24, 2012
I met Bob at Ma Bell back in the day...he was such a kind, caring, fun guy to work with...and always had a smile on his face. I often thought he should be on the cover of a G.Q. magazine. Blessings to his family & friends.
Walter Harrold
May 23, 2012
Please accept my deepest sympathies.
Dorsyl/Dorothy Brown/Smith
May 23, 2012
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Carlota Almanza-Lumpkin
May 23, 2012
Ella, Mary Lois & Family...
Deepest sympathies for the sudden loss of Bob. Your Detroit family (via The Late Aunt Ellen Cameron Gosa Brown, sister to Bob's late mother, Viola Cameron Boozer) extend our heartfelt condolescences for our loss.
God Bless You All,
~Carlota Almanza-Lumpkin
[2nd cousin; daughter of Late Cousin Maxie]
~John G. Lumpkin
[3rd cousin]
Debra Chambers/ Michael Bogard
May 23, 2012
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Mattie M. Jones-Crossley
May 23, 2012
To the Boozer family, may God keep you strong in this time of lost...I m signing on behalf of two brothers who knew u well, in memory of Alphonso Jones & Harvey Jones...they have also passed on, I heard them speak of Bob often...
May 23, 2012
It was sad news to hear of Bob's passing. He and I came the same year as freshmen to K-State. That was back in 1955, and playing on the same team with Bob was a true honor. Many times on trips, he and I were roommates, so there are extra fond memories. I have read the guestbook and agree with all the good things said about Bob! My deepest sympathy and prayers go to Ella and the Boozer family. Jim (and Lu) Holwerda.
Merlyn Klaus
May 23, 2012
Rest in peace Bob. Always enjoyed interviewing you. As someone who grew up in Chicago in the 60's you are still my favorite Bull.
Jo Ann B.
May 23, 2012
May your memories bring you joy for many years to come. What a legacy. May
God's work comfort you. Jesus promise we will be with him in paradise. Thinking of you.
May 23, 2012
The Embry family offer our sincere condolences to you Ella, Curtis and the entire Boozer Family. Bob was a great roommate and friend.We will have everlasting memories.
Wayne and Terri Embry
May 23, 2012
Ella,Curtis our condolences. We shared many great times with Bob , making T. V. commercials with our kids, to a meeting with Reggie Jackson in Kansas City, and the times we were together in Florida. He was a great friend and a mentor. He will be missed by all of us. The Platt family.
Mary Hines
May 23, 2012
Celebrating a life well lived. We will cherish the memories forever.
Michele Johnson
May 23, 2012
My deepest sorrow for your loss. bob will be surely missed.
Michele Johnson
Styles & Smiles By Michele
Rose Wells
May 23, 2012
Ms. Ella, Having met, talked, enjoy a laugh or two and a "thump in the top of my head" from Bob Boozer while in church Morning Star Baptist Church, proved to be one of the greatest memories that I can share with others. Truly a kind, friendly and just a all around gentle man. I'm sure that there were times that he had his moments, but I'm willing to bet that the "goods times" outnumbered the "not so good". He was one of God's children like the rest of us and The Father has called him home. I will truly miss him sitting on the Usher Pew because of his "bad knees"! God Bless and God loves you all.
Sylvia Curtis
May 23, 2012
I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your loved one, God Bless the Family. my condolences goes out to you. he was a good friend of the Curtis Family for many years. R I P BOB
Kisha Baker
May 23, 2012
In God's Hands!
The Gunn Family
May 23, 2012
Our sincere condolences to the Boozer family. You are in our thoughts and prayers. May God comfort you during this time of sorrow.
May 23, 2012
Our prayers are with the entire Boozer family. Bob was a good and very kind person. He was also a person who never forgot his roots. Bob always came back and gave back to the north Omaha community in so many wonderful ways. He will be missed. "Let not your heart be troubled" John:14 (Bible). Bob fought the good fight, now may be rest from his labour. Bob will always be remembered as a great basketball player, but we will also remember him for being a good and caring peron. God bless you all.
- Pastor, Rev. Darryl C. Eure
Freestone Baptist Church
Dwayne & Tee Rencher & Family
May 23, 2012
Celebrating a life well lived. We will cherish the memories forever.
Kim Newsome
May 23, 2012
What a pleasure to have known this Gentle Giant. RIP
Kim (Brooks) Newsome and Family
Val Stewart
May 23, 2012
Boozer Family,
Thoughts and prayers are with you today and in the days ahead. I was driving a few weeks ago and pointed to ' Bob Boozer Drive',telling my girls about him,and they should always remember this great man from Omaha.
Jim Collin
May 23, 2012
Deepest sympahty to the Boozer family. We all know Bob was a great basketball player, he was also a tremendous person. My wife Marge Collin worked with Bob at NW Bell & she spoke very highly of Bob. Will will be deeply missed in Omaha. Jim Collin Omaha South High School
May 23, 2012
Ella and family. In times like this we need a Savior who will see you through, keep your faith in God and know that He never makes a mistake.
God Bless and Keep you and Mary.
Sam and Irene Smith, Sacramento CA
Linda Talley
May 23, 2012
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Hallie Reed
May 23, 2012
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Ida Tibbs
May 23, 2012
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Barbara L Jones
May 23, 2012
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Robert Nared
May 23, 2012
Our hearts go out to Ms. Ella and family. Our brother, uncle and dear friend will truely be missed.
Sincerely,
Robert Nared and Family
Ida Tibbs
May 23, 2012
Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one today and always.
Reuben and Cheryl Olson
May 23, 2012
Bob was a great neighbor and friend, we will surely miss him.
To Ella and family, you have our deepest sympathies and condolences, our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Reuben and Cheryl Olson
Ricky L. Wray
May 23, 2012
Please accept our deepest condolences. Mr. Boozer was a joy to work with and he would never let you walk away without getting a smile out of you. His stories about his beloved sport of basketball, together with his great kindness will always be a treasured memory.
Ricky L. and Flor Marina Wray
May 23, 2012
Mrs. Boozer and Family,
I was saddened to hear of Bob's passing. I enjoyed working with him and fellowshipping with him at Mount Moriah. May you and your family be blessed my God through your memories and the well wishes of his friends. As my granddaughter called him "that tall man", we all will miss him.
Again may God continue to comfort and bless you and your family.
The Johnsons
Vonda, Kevin and Kenyata
Mr. John C. Johnson & Mrs. Angela Vega-Johnson
May 23, 2012
Our hearts and prayers go out to Mrs. Boozer & the entire Boozer Family...we were shocked and saddened to hear of Bob's passing this week. Please know that Bob made a significant difference in alot lives, both of strangers and friends alike! Bob will be deeply missed by all who came in contact with him. You have our deepest heartfelt sympathies.
Bill Chamberlain
May 23, 2012
"Big Bob Boozer" was a roll model gentleman that I met in my brief NBA Career..... My wife at the time I played for the Phoenix Suns died of a cerebral aneurysm at 35 years of age in 1988, and we still talk about her 23 years later.... Healing will happen in due time....God Bless the Boozer Family,
Bill Chamberlain UNC #31-1972
Rosa Weatherly
May 23, 2012
Bob, I never met you, thus didn't know you. But, your reputation and personality couldn't be missed. I remember when a friend first drove me to Bob Boozer Drive. There was so much pride in the telling of your accomplishments. It is a little darker in Omaha because we have lost one of our brightest stars. You will be truly missed even by those of us that did not know you, only knew of you.
May 23, 2012
Truely and inspiration to many ! I had the pleasure of meeting Mr Boozer through his eye care he was a very pleasant and enjoyable person. You will be missed.
Gwen Basden
May 23, 2012
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
May 23, 2012
My sincere condolences to the Boozer family. It is hard to lose someone close to us.
But please know that God does not forget our loved ones or us as we have to cope with this loss. We are encouraged to throw all our anxieties upon him because he cares for you".
1 Pet 5:7)
Duane Williams
May 23, 2012
Bob,
Your personality and energy will be missed.
Bill Fead
May 23, 2012
Sorry to read of Bob's Passing, and the loss of another Bell Tele. Employee, our ranks are growing thinner.
Ret. N. W. Bell
Tina Gray
May 23, 2012
Our condolences to the Boozer Family. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
The family of the late Charles Gray - former co-worker at Northwestern Bell
Sarah Gunn Lopez
May 22, 2012
To the Boozer Family,
I was saddened when I heard about Bob's passing. Since that day, I go to the guest book on a daily basis to read the kind words written all over the US about Bob Boozer. I worked with him at the telephone company as he helped our organization to raise scholarship money to give to African-American students attending college. Because of his corporate and community network of friends, we were successful at awarding scholarships to students on an annual basis in Omaha. While we worked to bring in community donations, he helped our organization to solicit and bring in corporate donations. He was good at that. He was a humble soul, a tall man with a big heart, kind, and so much fun to be around. As I am saddened, I know that many of his former coworkers will be also as they hear about his passing. I'm glad that I was able to work with him. My heartfelt sympathy goes out to the family as I share with you in the loss of your love one. We'll miss you, Bob.
Sylvia Myers
May 22, 2012
Bob,Ella and I shared some great times together. Bob was a joy to be around, he will be missed.
Charles Billups
May 22, 2012
Mr Bob Boozer is one of the finest people you could ever want to meet,I know for a fact that he truly cares for people, and is and always will be a great influence in the lives of people that he came into contact with. Believe me when I say that he was truly a blessing from above in mine, and I'm positive other people's lives. Bob, my friend I know you are smiling in the presence of God. I will see you again. Praise God!
May 22, 2012
TO THE FAMILY OF BOB BOOZER,I EXPRESS MY DEEPEST SYMPATHY AT THIS VERY DIFFICULT AND PAINFUL TIME,PLEASE FIND COMFORT AT ISAIAH 45:18.AW.HOUSTON,TX.
Rev. Jimmy Horton
May 22, 2012
With sincere condolences to the Boozer family. He will be missed in the North Omaha community!
Thank you sir for being a blessing.
Robert Duncan
May 22, 2012
To The Boozer Family,
I was so sad to hear of the passing of Bob. I never knew him personally, but I was well aware of his sports heroics at Tech High, Kansas State, the Olympics and the NBA. I used to watch him on tv as a kid growing up in Omaha whenever the Bulls, Bucks or any team he had played for were on. I was very proud; as I'm sure many Omahans were of Bob playing in the NBA. Growing up in Omaha, many people involved in sports I've met over the years, are very surprised Omaha had produced so many great athletes such as Gale Sayers, Ron Boone, Bob Gibson, Johnny Rodgers, Roger Sayers, Mike McGee, Ahman Green and others. Most of these athletes played at Tech and Central High. I know he will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him. May he rest in peace and my sincere condolences goes out to the family, friends and fans of Mr. Boozer. May God Bless all of you in this time of sorrow and rejoicing of his legacy.
Frederick Frissell IV
May 22, 2012
May Bob RIP, he was my idol @ the age of 6 years old. God bless him and his family.
Mike Spiva
May 22, 2012
I will always remember Bob for 2 things, for being a "gentle giant" and for the love he had for his wife Ella. Bob and I were great friends, we played a lot of golf and hung out whenever we could. I worked with Bob at U S WEST we first met at a Lobbyist meeting in CO. and that is where he called me SPIIIIIIIIIIIIIVA for the first time. I always looked forward to answering my phone to hear SPIIIIIIIIIVA and of course I would always respond by saying Booooozzzzzzzeeeerrrrr. I was just talking to a friend of mine Saturuday about Bob and I said it's been a while since I called him, oh how I regret not calling him sooner. I will never forget the time we spend together during the All-Star week in Phoenix...one the the best weeks of my life!
Bob you were a great man, a great friend and a great husband...I'd do anything to see you in heaven now posting up the big men who went before you. Blessings Ella!
Christy Lyons
May 22, 2012
It was wonderful and fun working along side with Bob Boozer for 5 years at the Nebraska Parole Board. He will be missed greatly.
Diann Owens
May 22, 2012
To the Boozer family - Doesn't it just give you total peace to know that Bob knows & loves our Lord? No worries, no doubt. Thank you for sharing him with the world! I first met Bob as my boss with Northwestern Bell. He was President of the United Negro College Fund in 1977 for the Nebraska Chapter. He was a person who expected you to give your best in everything you do because that's he carried himself. Bob had a way of bringing the best out of everyone even being the soft spoken person he was. I'm thankful for the opportunity to have known him. May the peace & grace of our Lord be with you now and especially in days ahead.
Olga P.
May 22, 2012
My deep condolences to the Boozer family. May you find comfort from God's word recorded at Ecclesiastes 9:5, 10 regarding the loss of your loved one.
Teresa Cavanaugh
May 22, 2012
My deepest sympathy to my "Bridge Buddies", Bob's wife, Ella and family and his sister, Mary and her family. I never met Bob, but heard great stories from Ella and Mary. Bob made me proud to have also been a Tech grad in the 50's.
Erica Sweet
May 22, 2012
To the Family of Bob Boozer~
Earth has no sorry that heaven cannot heal...
I will always remember the moments shared serving with Boozer at the Mount Moriah Missionary Baptist Church. He will be missed. Praying your strength in the Lord.
Wilma Minner
May 22, 2012
I was a secretary at Caterpillar when Bob worked there and he sat a desk or two away from me. He was so handsome when he walked in in the morning in his suit and tie. At the time I was a young widow as my husband died of a brain aneurysm at the age of 20 in 1956 and I was 18. I've tried to keep track of Bob through the years and was sad to read in our Port St. Lucie paper that he had died of a brain aneurysm. Never talked that much with Bob but I'm sure he knew how my husband died since I was a widow at such a young age. Also didn't realize that we were the same age. So happy to read that he loved the Lord. May the Holy Spirit give you comfort during your time of grief.
May 22, 2012
Bob worked at the "phone box" with my husband, Roger Stuhmer. I have fond memories of those years, and Bob always kept things upbeat and jovial. Rest in peace . Carole Stuhmer HotSprings Village, Ar.
Jamie Reichert
May 22, 2012
You will always be remembered as a major piece of history for me. Thanks for sharing your talents and just being yourself. I honor you.
Kent Pavelka
May 22, 2012
Bob went out of his way to support and lobby for me when I was replaced as Husker football radio play-by-play radio announcer. I never asked him to do that. He did it in his own. He was that kind of friend. I am missing his phone calls and our chats about everything under the sun.
May 22, 2012
My condolences to the Boozer family.
God loves you.(John 3:16)
Sincerely,
JRWS-DELAWARE COUNTY
Stephen Bennett
May 22, 2012
Few realize that Bob was also an excellent swimmer and could have competed at the Olympic level, a gifted athlete indeed.
May 22, 2012
To the family of Bob Boozer may God give you comfort and peace by means of prayer - Philipians 4:6,7. My deepest sympathy
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