Robert Kelley Toombs

RED LODGE - Robert Kelley Toombs, 80, died Tuesday, Nov. 21, 2006, in Cedarwood Villa in Red Lodge.
He was born March 14, 1926 in Miles City, the son of Robert W. and Helen (Kesterson) Toombs. He graduated from Custer High School and attended Broadcasting school in Minneapolis. Bob served in the U.S. Navy during World War II. He was a sonar-radar operator on a destroyer escort in the South Pacific. He received a purple heart and was discharged with honors.
On Nov. 28, 1947, Bob was united in marriage to Shirley M. King in Billings. In 1947, Bob began his radio career as a DJ at KGHL and later became General Manager of KBMY until his retirement in 1977. Bob lived in various places, but Montana was always his home, with Red Lodge being his choice for life with his bride, Shirley, since 1983.
Art, sailing, travel, landscaping, woodworking, skiing and his home remodeling were his hobbies. His greatest interests were his family and friends. Bob's philosophy in life was "Experience life to the fullest!"
Bob is survived by his wife, Shirley; they were happily married for 59 years this month. They have four children, Robert M (Gail) Toombs of Eastsound, Wash., Mark D (Alfreida) Toombs of Billings, Galynn J. Toombs of Eastsound and Kathryn A. (Tom) Smiley of Roberts; 11 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. He is survived by his brother, Douglas (Margy) Toombs of Laurel; and his sister Phyllis (Tom) Bennett of Florida.
Memorial services will be 2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 25, at Dahl Funeral Chapel in Red Lodge.
Memorials may be sent to Beartooth Hospital and Health Center Auxiliary and/or Beartooth Hospice, or charity of choice.