Robert Lee Gritton

1934 - 2019

Robert Lee "Bob" Gritton passed away peacefully September 14th, 20019 in Olympia, WA. He was 84 years old. Bob was born in Indianapolis, Indiana on December 24th, 1934. He traveled the U.S. in his youth with his family and settled in California. Shortly after graduating High School,he worked as a Sheet Metal Worker and also obtained his Associate of Arts degree. In 1955 he became a soldier in the U.S. Army,Korean Conflict with assignment to the Corps of Engineers. He married Jeanne Anne Johnson on June 21st, 1958 in Long Beach, CA. Bob continued to work as a Civilian in Long Beach and The Naval Weapons Center at China Lake, CA. He won several medals including the Secretary of the Navy's Meritorious Civilian Service Award. He also obtained his Bachelors of Science Degree in Public and Business Administration from Cal State, Bakersfield. In addition to his employment as a Weapons Systems Programs Manager, Bob was involved in community theater CLOTA as Technical Director and the Backyard Players. As a family, camping and fishing were also favorite pastimes as well as coaching Little League Baseball in China Lake, CA. Upon retirement in 1989, Bob and Jeanne moved to Bellingham, WA. In 2000 they moved to small town Cle Elum, WA. His last days were spent in Olympia ,WA where he was able to spend more time with his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Bob lived by the simple guidelines of: Family First! Life is often a matter of Just Showing Up! And he also liked to think that he coined the phrase: "Hey, What's Wrong with This?" (referring to the fact that he always enjoyed where he was and ho he was with). Bob is survived by his wife of 61 years, Jeanne; sons Greg, Mark and Bob "Mac" and spouses and daughter Jennifer; sister Mary and spouse; grandchildren; Jordan, Phillip, Alyssa and spouses, Andrea, Hanna and Ethan; 5 great grandchildren; and his faithful dog Lacey. The Neptune Society is in charge of funeral arrangements. Burial will take place at the Tahoma National Veterans Cemetery in Kent, WA, date to be determined. Contributions in Bob's memory may be made to the charity of your choice.