Robert Michael “Bob” Garate, 74, of Grain Valley, Missouri, passed away Wednesday, February 13, 2008 at St. Mary’s Medical Center, Blue Springs, MO. Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 16th at Royer Funeral Home, Grain Valley; burial with Military Honors in Valley Memorial Gardens, Grain Valley. The family will receive friends from 6:00 – 7:30 p.m. Friday, February 15th at the funeral home. The family suggests contributions to the American Cancer Society.

Bob was born on September 29, 19, in Oceanside, California, the son of John A. and Carmen (Valenzuela) Garate. He served in the United States Air Force during the Korean Conflict. Bob married Gloria MAe Box on April 2, 1960. He was a Bus Driver for the Oak Grove School District from 1974 to 1979. He retired from Ford Motor Company in Claycomo after 15 years of service. Bob was a member of UAQ Local #41 and was also a Tribal Elder of San Pasqual Tribe of Mission Indians, San Diego, CA. He will be remembered as a loving husband, father and grandfather.

Bob was preceded in death by one brother, John Garate.

His survivors include his wife of 46 years, Gloria, of the home; one son: Robert Ray Garate of Grain Valley, MO; two daughters: Terri Dunlap & her husband, Terry of Grain Valley, MO; and Tammy Robbins & her husband. Kenny of Independence, MO; five grandchildren: Chris, Brad & Joshua Robbins, and Celeste & Anthony Dunlap’ five sisters: Marge Leech & Eleanore Ford both of Virginia, and Helen Pefley, Mary Carr & Stella Urkavics all of California; and several nieces and nephews.