Robert Easley Lunsford

Published 11:22 am Tuesday, February 6, 2024

Robert Easley Lunsford

September 17, 1931 – January 25, 2024

Robert Easley Lunsford (Bob), was born on September 17, 1931 in Fern Springs Mississippi. He was the son of Ina Mae and James Franklin Lunsford. With crop sharing parents, Bob moved around a bit in Mississippi, eventually moving to Liberty Mississippi where he finished High School. Bob joined the Navy after High School and was stationed on the USS Walke Destroyer during the Korean War. Bob’s ship was torpedoed by a Japanese submarine thus becoming the worst naval disaster during the war. After his four years of naval service, Bob returned to Liberty. Along with many jobs ranging from plumber, electrician, mechanic, and welder; Bob joined George Anders delivering and setting up portable logging mills. While setting up a mill in Ashland Oregon Bob met Marlene Carrigan and his life would never be the same. Bob and Marlene were married on October 1, 1955 in Reno Nevada. They were married for 68 years and created 3 wonderful children Rhonda, Randy, and Connie. Once married, Bob relocated to Medford Oregon. Along with some logging jobs, Bob mainly focused on his welding expertise and was hired by Crater Lake Machinery in Medford Oregon. Bob was offered the welding manager position at the Redmond Oregon Crater Lake Machinery location and accepted it. Bob relocated his family to Redmond Oregon on November 4, 1962 and has been a resident ever since. Crater Lake Machinery was purchased by Pape Cat with Bob staying on as welding manager until he retired in 1996. Bob spent his retirement welding, farming, ranching as well as helping when and wherever he could with his children and friends. Bob passed from pneumonia complications with his 15 plus year battle with leukemia. Bob was at home with his family and grandchildren relaxing comfortably in his favorite chair when he passed on January 25, 2024. He is survived by his wife Marlene, daughters Rhonda Bergh (Rick) and Connie Lunsford, son Randy Lunsford (Tonya), four grandsons, and ten great grandchildren.