Robert Carlyle Toombs
Robert Carlyle Toombs
Robert “Bob” Carlyle Toombs, 90, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on Wednesday, September 14th due to complication from a broken hip. He was born on May 14, 1932, in Harlowton, Montana. He spent his younger years growing up at Fort Peck, MT, while his dad and uncle helped build the dam.
The family moved to Bremerton, WA, where he proudly had three paper routes and set pins manually at the local bowling alley. His family relocated to Sacramento, CA, where he attended Grant Union High School and was active in ROTC and played the trumpet in the marching band. He fell in love with the head majorette who was his soulmate and lifetime love. Nola Jean Moore.
He had a strong patriotic love for this country and enlisted in the Army at age 17, serving in 1st Calvary Infantry. His unit was the first deployed to Korea to fight in the Korean War. He was awarded several Medals for his bravery including the Army Presidential Unit Citation Award with Silver Star and Korean Presidential Unit Citation Award.
Upon returning to the states, he had to get his mother’s permission to marry Nola due to the laws in California at the time. They were married in Carson City, NV on April 19, 1952, and were blessed with six children. They renewed their wedding vows and cruised to Alaska for their 50th Anniversary. This year they celebrated their 70th Anniversary.
Bob was active as a Cub Scout leader, 4-H leader, State Director of California Pony of Americas Club, Member of the Texas Pony of Americas Club, Member of Montana Pony of Americas Club and National POA inspector, Honor Guard Lavina American Legion Post 66 and a member of Word of Life Church.
Bob worked many jobs throughout his life including Heavy Construction, Assistant Manager at Mather AFB Commissary, Security and Usher for Metra Park and a Greeter at Walmart Westend. He was an owner-operator and enjoyed long-haul trucking. One of his biggest joys was raising, showing and promoting Registered Ponies of America “POA’s”. He was especially proud of their stallion, “Santee Cadet” who won Res. International Grand Champion at Halter, World Champion at Halter and earned his Register of Merit in Halter.
He was preceded in death by his father Reginald “Rex” Toombs, mother Helen B. Toombs, Sister Barbara (Ronald) Castro, granddaughter Helene Toombs, grandson Ryan Vanderbeck, great granddaughter Mackenzie Shields and daughter-in-law Gloria Toombs. He is survived by his loving wife Nola, sons Robert “Mike” Toombs (Linnea Rogers) and Brian (Sherry) Toombs, daughters Sandy (Rick) Thompson, Trish Vanderbeck (Randy Bjelkevig), Michelle Herden, Debra Yates, 12 grandchildern, 23 great grandchildren and his faithful companion Scoots.
The family wants to thank the wonderful doctors and nurses in the Orthopedic Department and Palliative Care Team at St. Vincent Hospital. The family is planning a Celebration of Life on May 14th, 2023, in Lavina, MT, to bury his ashes and honor his service to country. Memorials can be sent in memory of Bob to his church, Word of Life at 1737 King Avenue West, Billings, MT 59102. We all miss you so much but find comfort in knowing you can walk, run and dance now without pain and suffering.
