Robert Ames

Robert Dawes Ames HAGERSTOWN, Md. - Robert Dawes Ames, 83, of Hagerstown, Md., and Buxton, N.C., passed away Sunday, Sept. 20, 2009. He was born Oct. 15, 1925, in Chicago to the late Edith Winter Ames and Knowlton Lyman Ames Jr. He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Kathryn "Kay" Wallace Ames. In addition to his wife, Bob is survived by his daughters, Robin Ames and her husband Mark O'Neal of Avon, N.C., Marta Martinez and her husband Luis of Frisco, N.C., Haven Younger and her husband Brandon of Hagerstown, Md.; his grandchildren, Ryan Langowski, Bennet Langowski, Felipe Martinez, Leighton Younger and Emerson Younger; and his faithful companion, Jet. He is also survived by three nieces and nephews and their families. In addition to his parents, Bob was preceded in death by his brothers, K.L. "Bud" Ames III and Thomas Ames and his stepfather, Paul McGinnis. A veteran of World War II, Bob served in the U.S. Army Air Force in Italy. He graduated from Stanford University with a degree in journalism and a minor in Russian history. Growing up Bob developed a love of the water and was a lifeguard in Southern California. He was a superb body surfer with a style all of his own. Throughout their married life, Bob and Kay traveled to many seaside destinations where they enjoyed swimming and snorkeling. When their first grandson was born they bought their beach home on Hatteras Island in Buxton, N.C. Bob and Kay spent many happy times with family and friends at their beach home. Bob was an avid golfer. He especially enjoyed playing with his three sons-in-law, the perfect foursome. Following graduation from college, Bob worked in the newspaper business for many years. Later he started and ran a successful business, Ames Advertising Specialties. Bob shared his business knowledge as a volunteer with SCORE. A memorial service to celebrate Bob's life will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 24, at St. John's Episcopal Church, 101 South Prospect St., Hagerstown, Md. The family will receive visitors after the service at the residence of Haven and Brandon Younger, 12910 Fountain Head Road, Hagerstown, Md. Another celebration of his life will be held on Hatteras Island at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to the Washington County Humane Society, 13011 Maugansville Road, Hagerstown, MD 21740. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Douglas A. Fiery Funeral Home, 1331 Eastern Blvd. North, Hagerstown, Md. Online condolences may be expressed at www.douglasfiery.com.