Robert Franklin Van Camp

Robert Franklin Van Camp, aged 93, a strong, loving, faithful man was called to join the Lord and his loved ones in the early hours of October 1, 2024, in Great Falls, Montana.

He was born on November 2, 1930, in Wabash, IN to James and Ruth Van Camp. Robert, affectionately known as “Bob” (Grandpa Bob), married Barbara Jo Layton on January 12, 1951. They went to kindergarten together but met later on while Jo was working at the local drug store when he ordered a chocolate milk shake and asked her on a date. Bob and Jo had a son, Bobby, in 1955 and a daughter, Kim, in 1958.

Bob dedicated 20 years of service to the United States Air Force, retiring in 1976. Throughout his military career, he was stationed across various bases, including Germany, Virginia, California, and Michigan before bringing his family to Great Falls in 1968. In Germany, Bob learned how to ski on the biggest slopes he had ever seen.

After his military service, Bob embarked on a second career with the Great Falls Post Office where he worked for another 20 years. His remarkable knack for machinery maintenance made him a valued employee not just in the Great Falls branch but also in the surrounding areas. He had a gift for being able to build or fix anything. He was always there to help anyone in need. He was a true cowboy.

Bob was a loving family man and a servant of the lord, actively participating in his church and various charitable activities. He enjoyed tinkering, building, and especially loved horses and horse shows, a passion he shared with his daughter. Bob and his wife, Jo, cherished traveling, often taking memorable trips in their MG and later, their RV. Even after Jo was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and placed in a care facility Bob would take her for long drives daily.

Bob is survived by his daughter-in-law, Pam Van Camp; granddaughter, and loving caretaker, Ashley (Doug) Van Camp; grandson, Judah (Erin) Van Camp; granddaughter, Malorie (Nick) Worth; daughter-in-law, Pam Van Camp; seven great-grandchildren; five great-great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, James and Ruth Van Camp; brother, Jim Van Camp; sister, Darlene Amon; wife, Jo Van Camp; son, Bobby Van Camp; and daughter, Kim Van Camp.

A service to honor Bob’s life will be held on November 2, 2024, at 2:00 p.m. at Hillcrest Lawn Memorial Chapel (1410 13th Street South in Great Falls, MT).