Robert Taylor Nethken

1926 - 2020

Robert Taylor Nethken, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, passed away in the morning of July 3, 2020 at the age of 93 years. Born in Ruston, Louisiana on December 15, 1926, he received his undergraduate degree in Electrical Engineering from Louisiana Tech and his Master's Degree from the University of Kentucky. Robert was a veteran of World War II, proudly serving in the United States Navy. He devoted his life thereafter to teaching young people, beginning as an Assistant Professor at Lafayette College in Easton, Pennsylvania for one year and then at Virginia Polytechnic Institute for three years. After a three-year stint at Convair in Fort Worth, Texas, he moved to Baton Rouge, where he taught Electrical Engineering and Construction Management for forty-four and a half years as an Associate Professor, before retiring from Louisiana State University. He is survived by his wife of forty-five years, Sylvia Wolsefer Nethken; by his four children, Bellrobin Nethken Sardella, Nancy Ann Nethken, Harley Alvin Nethken, and Annell Nethken Hiersche and their spouses; by his three stepchildren, Dennis Wayne Lee, S. Layne Lee, and Christopher Brent Lee and their spouses; and by many, many loving grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, Harley Joseph Nethken and Gwendolyn Taylor Nethken and by his four siblings, Alva Nethken, Harley Francis Nethken, Anita Nethken Griffith, and Shirley Nethken Welch. A devout patriot and long-time member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, he loved his Eternal Father, his country, his family, and his LSU Tigers with all his heart. He was a High Priest and Ward Membership Clerk of the LDS Church for many, many years. He will be sorely missed by all who knew him. Viewing will be held at Audubon Funeral Home located at 61101 Highway 11 in Slidell, Louisiana 70458 on Wednesday, July 8 at 9:00 a.m. (adhering to social distancing guidelines). Services will be begin in the chapel at 11:00 a.m. Graveside Services with Military Honors will follow at 3:00 p.m. at Greenoaks Memorial Park in Baton Rouge. Memories and condolences may be expressed at www.AudubonFuneralHome.com.