Robert Eugene Waggoner

WAGGONER, ROBERT E. “BOB”, 83, of Altamonte Springs, Florida, died peacefully at his home on September 7, 2015 from the effects of Parkinson’s disease. His devotion to his family and his firm belief in God supported him in his struggle and ultimately gave him peace.

Bob was born in Washington, Iowa, to Mildred and W. Franklin Waggoner, the fourth of six children. He put himself through college at Iowa Wesleyan, and was drafted to serve in the Korean War. Following graduate work in Accounting at the University of Nebraska, Bob hired on as a traveling auditor for General Mills, in Minneapolis, beginning a 30-plus year career with the company. He met his future wife, Shirley, in Minneapolis, and they were married in 1961. They had two children, Mark and Heidi, and a niece, Beth joined the family in 1976. In 1972, the family moved to Central Florida after General Mills purchased Red Lobster. Bob continued his progression in Finance, seeing General Mills Restaurants through an exciting period of growth from a few seafood restaurants to the world’s largest casual dining company, which eventually became Darden Restaurants.

Bob was a truly charitable soul, believing strongly that it is our responsibility to give back to our fellow human beings and our community. Bob gave generously of his time and talents to numerous organizations, including the Darden Foundation, the Orlando Science Center, the Edyth Bush Charitable foundation, the Central Florida Community Foundation, the Association to Preserve the Eatonville Community, and Lutheran Counseling Services. He was an active member of St. John Lutheran Church. Bob was a mentor to many, frequently sought out for his thoughtful guidance, financial expertise, and honest advice. He was known for his integrity, his dry sense of humor, his love for basketball and ice cream, and his commitment to doing the right thing, not necessarily the popular thing.

Bob is survived by his beloved wife of 54 years, Shirley, his children, Mark Waggoner (Robyn Parnell), of Hillsboro, OR, and Heidi (Barry) Metcalf of Orlando, FL, his niece, Beth (Norman) Brooks, of Crawfordsville, IA, and his grandchildren Eli and Sadie Wagnell, Luke Metcalf, and Chelsea Brooks. He is also survived by his brothers Roger Waggoner of Davenport, IA and Joe Waggoner of Gatlinburg, TN, his sister Peggy Zook, of Longwood, and many nieces and nephews. Siblings Mary Foster and Bill Waggoner preceded him in death. Services will be held at St. John Lutheran Church, Winter Park, at 11 AM on Saturday, September 19th, reception immediately following. Memorial donations can be made to the Rails to Trails Conservancy (railstotrails.org) or to Lutheran Counseling Services (lcsfl.com).