Robert L. Leander

Robert L. "Bob" Leander was born March 24, 1937 at home in rural Audubon County, Iowa. He passed away June 15th, 2022 at 5:20a.m. The Iowa farm boy was ready at dawn for his new day in glory.

At birth his aunt Bessie, an RN, helped deliver him and said he was the ugliest baby she had ever seen. She later delivered Bob's son. His family moved to Cass County Iowa when he began elementary country school. He played little league baseball for the Marne Midgets. Due to his height, his mother had to prove his age with his birth certificate. He was baptized and confirmed in the Danish Lutheran Church. He started high school in Atlantic and graduated from Lewis High School in 1955, where he lettered in baseball and basketball.

Bob served in the U.S. Army from 1955 to 1957 where after training at Ft. Leonard Wood, he was an instructor for 90 and 120 mm anti-aircraft artillery at Ft. Bliss, Texas.

He started college at Northwest Missouri State and met Sarah, his wife, through friends. They were married on August 8th, 1959.

He worked for Northern Natural Gas in Omaha as an Accountant for four years and attended night school. He graduated from Peru (NE) State University in 1966 and began working for Mutual of Omaha in the service department. For seven years the family lived in Los Angeles, then back to Omaha. In 1975, Bob and Sarah moved to Houston. He became a Certified Life Underwriter in 1983. In 1986, he began working for John L. Wortham and Son. He retired on April 1, 2002. Bob and Sarah enjoyed traveling, friends, children and grandchildren.

Bob was loved and respected by all who knew him. His sense of humor, service, ethics and devotion to his family and country will live in our hearts forever.

He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Sarah Ann Shaw Leander, children Lou Ann James (Randy), Laren Leander (Jennifer), grandchildren Rebecca, Reed and Kathryn James and Hannah, Daniel, Rachel and Paul Leander.

A celebration of life service will be held Wednesday July 6 @ 10:30a.m. at Lakewood United Methodist Church, 11330 Louetta Rd.