Bob Gene Bernard, 85 was called home to be with his Lord and Savior on July 15, 2012. Bobby Gene Bernard was born in Tulsa, OK on October 19, 1926 to William and Lura Bernard. The family moved to the Joplin, Missouri area when he was 8 years old. Bob was a child of the depression. In 1935 his father, a veteran of WWI received a VA check which allowed the family to pack up and move west in search of better prospects. They would come to settle in Naches, WA. Bob was forced to grow up early. At the age of 13 he would leave school to help the family, working all over the Yakima Valley. At 15 he would leave home and move to Pasco, WA. It was at this time he bought a 1939 Ford Coupe even though he wasn't yet legally able to drive. Soon after making the move, Bob would meet his future wife, Edna Alice Witt, who he described as the most beautiful girl he had ever seen. She was the popcorn girl at the Roxy Theatre in downtown Kennewick and it was love at first sight. They would marry on April 1st, Easter Sunday in 1945, after Bob was drafted into the United States Army. He would serve his country attaining the rank of Staff Sgt. He was on his way to Japan when the bomb was dropped. The bulk of his enlistment would be serving during the occupation. Upon returning to the states Bob went to work for Gordon Mercier, owner of Mercier Shell Service station in Pasco. He would work for Gordon Mercier until he purchased the station from him in 1965. Bob worked long hours but always found time to spend with his children; hunting, fishing, camping, etc. Bob semi-retired at the age of 55, turning the station over to his sons. Bob and Edna enjoyed only a few years of retirement where they were able to golf and freely travel in their trailer before Edna would suffer a debilitating stroke. He lovingly cared for her 17 years until her death in 2005. They would miss their 60th wedding anniversary by 9 days. If ever there were two people meant to spend their life together, it was Bob and Edna. They would have 4 children and strive to pass on a legacy of faith and family. Bob came to the Lord as an adult. He was baptized and confirmed at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Kennewick, WA in1952. Several years later, a new mission church, Trinity Lutheran would be planted in Pasco. Bob and family would transfer to help this new congregation grow. Over the years he would serve on a variety of boards, teach Sunday school, and care for the property. During the ensuing years Bob and Edna would send their 4 children to Bethlehem Lutheran School in Kennewick. Edna had attended as child and they wanted to pass on that legacy of a Christian foundation in the faith. It was very important to them that every child, grandchild and great grandchild would attend. Bob is survived by four children; Mike Bernard, Steve Bernard wife Kathy, Diane White, and Debbie Bertsch husband Jim, all residing in the Tri-Cites, 11 grandchildren, 7 great-grandchildren, sisters Betty Powell of Tacoma, WA, Evelyn Pryce of Pasco, WA, and brother Bill Bernard of Casper, WY. Bob was preceded in death by his wife, Edna and parents, William and Lura Bernard. Bob has resided at the Tri-City Retirement Inn for the last 4 years. The family would like to extend their appreciation for the excellent care he received. Bob often commented on how much he enjoyed the entire staff. Viewing will be held at Hillcrest Bruce Lee Memorial, 2804 W Lewis St in Pasco on Sunday, July 22, 2012 from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. A graveside service will be held at Desert Lawn Memorial Park, 1401 S. Union St in Kennewick at 10:00 a.m. A memorial service of praise will follow at Trinity Lutheran Church, 1015 N. 28th Ave. in Pasco at 11:00 a.m. and a light luncheon will be served. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be sent to BLSEF Bethlehem Lutheran Scholarship Endowment Fund, 2505 W. 27th Avenue, Kennewick, WA 99337.