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Bob Gassaway Obituary
Bob M. Gassaway, age 74, a Texan by birth and a man of the world, died May 19, 2016.
Born in Waco, Bob worked as a news reporter for his hometown radio station when he was in high school and was a stringer for news wire services across Texas. Hired by The Associated Press, he was one of the first reporters assigned to Vietnam, where he also was one of the first to go into the field with Marines. After earning a PhD in Sociology, he taught journalism and media ethics for 22 years in Missouri and New Mexico.
He is survived by his wife, Cheryl; his daughter, MereAnn Reid (Ted); his sons, Robert and William; and his grandson, Arlo Reid. He also leaves many cherished nieces and nephews.
Bob was preceded in death by his parents and sister.
A private memorial service will be held at Sunset Memorial Park in Albuquerque, NM.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Bob Gassaway
Colonel L R Hughes, USAF Retired
March 23, 2023
23 March 2023
Cheryl, please forgive this late condolence for my friend and colleague. Besides the giant BLT's he and I infrequently shared in your Columbia, Missouri, home at noon, I always thought he was not only the fastest typist at the two Columbia newspapers, but also the most enjoyable and memorable humor writer I ever had the good fortune to befriend. Reading the other notes posted here proves what I have always known, that being he was a challenging and universally respected professor. Almost daily his photograph pops up on my computer's screen which triggers many pleasant memories of Bob. I know you miss him as do so many others - so do I.
May the Lord continue to watch over you and your family,
Colonel L R Hughes, USAF Retired
Vineyard, Utah 84059-6607
606 /207-4578
[email protected]
Debra Turner
May 25, 2017
Bob was an editor's editor, a writer's best friend.
His memory is a treasure.
Debra A. Turner
Melanie Mills
February 23, 2017
I am just now learning of Bob's passing. So glad I had the opportunity to work with him on the Dirty Work book. What a lively, vivid, and sharp writer he was!
Bob Bowen
October 21, 2016
Big Bob Gassaway was my age. And, as a combat correspondent for Leatherneck Magazine I counted Bob among my closest friends and fellow war correspondents. Bob was kind enough to write the Foreword for my memoir which is in its final stages of publication. It saddened me to write a footnote to his Foreword announcing his passing. We had exchanged emails in March/April when I gave him an update on how my book was progressing. Rest In Peace, my friend.
Cindy Amack
June 15, 2016
Cheryl - we received your note and we are so sad to hear of Bob's passing. Our deepest sympathies to you and all the Gassaway clan. We know you all miss him so much.
The Stahl Girls - Cindy, Debbie, Donna and Linda
Colette Wilbers
June 8, 2016
Bob Gassaway was my favorite professor at the University of Missouri School of Journalism. He loved his craft, and he stood out as kind and encouraging in the school's cutthroat newsroom.
Kandice McDonald
May 31, 2016
Professor Gassaway was a unique man, period. He inspired a lot of students such as myself to write and to generally be successful. He was a very kind man and genuinely always seemed very interested in his students. He will be much missed. Thank you Professor ...
Monica Blaschke
May 30, 2016
Sweet Cheryl. Wish I could find the words. Sometimes there are just none to be found. I am so very saddened to learn of Bobs passing. It was an Honor to call him Friend and Blessing to care for him at the Drs office over many years. I will miss him very much. Praying Gods Peace and Comfort for you and your Families. Monica Blaschke
Robert Kidera
May 29, 2016
It sounds like a cliche to say that someone was a "gentleman" but Bob was exactly that, in every way, to all who knew him. He believed in the magic and power of words both written and spoken. Southwest Writers owes him a debt for his many years of service and contribution to the art and craft of writing. He was also one hell of a nice man. I'll miss you, Bob.
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