Robert E. Clough, 82, of Libby

Retired U.S. Army veteran and Libby native Robert Elmer “Sarge” Clough, 82, unexpectedly passed away of natural causes at his home Dec. 24, 2012. 

He was born in Libby on Feb. 1, 1930, to Elmer and Clara (Anderson) Clough.  The family included older brother Arthur and two sisters Verna and Verdelle. Bob’s parents and siblings all preceded him in death.

Bob was a career Army veteran, achieving the rank of sergeant first-class and was honorably discharged after 22 years of active duty.  He was wounded in a mortar attack and awarded the Purple Heart while in service in Korea (1948-1950). He was very proud of his service record having been stationed in Korea and Vietnam (1967-1968), following his dad and older brother’s footsteps in service to their country.

Bob entered the service in 1947. Before his enlistment, Bob and Jacqualine Gompf were married and traveled extensively throughout the world during the next two-plus decades. Five children were born as Bob and Jackie traveled with his career. This allowed them to introduce their children to various cultures and experience the many different regions of the world.  

Bob and Jackie later divorced, but stayed connected through their children. Bob then moved to Anchorage, Alaska, where he worked at Elmendorf Air Force Base before returning to the lower 48 states and living in Libby, working in the woods for the local mill.  

He made a lot of friends.

Bob loved to spend time in the outdoors camping, swimming and fishing.  Being a successful fisherman, he always had a catch to share with others. After a successful day, he would smoke the fish and package it to share with this children scattered throughout the U.S.

Spending time with his family every summer at one of the lakes in Montana was an experience that he cherished and one to which he always looked forward.  Grandpa Bob loved to spend time with his grandchildren showing them the ropes of driving a boat, water skiing, fishing and playing poker.

Survivors include his children, which include Maynard (Sharon) Clough, Boise, Idaho, Linda (Jerry) McCracken, Kingwood, Texas, Gregory Clough, Belle Fontaine, Ohio, Duane (Julie) Clough, Puyallup, Wash., and Diane (Arthur) Anderson, Helena. Also surviving are seven  grandchildren: Travis Murphy, Rachel McCracken, Chelsea Clough, Dalton Clough, Nicholas Anderson, Neva Anderson, Aurelia Tait; one great-grandson, Jackson Grey Murphy; nephews Ray Weitzel, George Clough, Charles Clough, Dave Larson, Larry Larson; and nieces Debbie Ferch, Loretta Jones and Nancy Rooney.

Graveside services with full military honors will be 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 29, 2012, at the City of Libby Cemetery. 

Visitation will be from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 29, at the Schnackenberg & Nelson Funeral Home. 

The family is inviting all friends and family to a reception at the VFW immediately following services.