Robert Gene Kothe

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Robert Gene Kothe, age 89, passed away on Sunday, May 5, at the South Lincoln Nursing Center in Kemmerer. Robert was born on May 13, 1929, in Steamboat Springs, Colorado, the son of Perry Henry and Lillie Emma (Aksamit) Kothe. He was the oldest of eight. His siblings are James, June, Patricia, Bessie, William, Katherine and Lynda.  

Robert and his family moved from Colorado to Calpet (Sublette County) when he was 8 years old. He lived in the area for the rest of his life. He graduated from Big Piney High School in 1947.

He served in the United States Army from 1951 to 1953. After serving his military duty, he returned home and began his long career in the oil patch. He was married to the love of his life, Ethel Ilet, on Nov. 19, 1960, in Kemmerer. They raised five children: Carol JoAnn, Robertta Lynn, Jamie Lillian, Paulla Louise and Russell Gene. He was an active member of the community, and he was a member of the American Legion for more than 50 years.  

Robert enjoyed hunting, fishing, and being outdoors very much.  

Robert is survived by his wife, Ethel; daughters, Carol JoAnn Lewis, Jamie Lillian Kothe and Paulla Louise Kothe; a son, Russell Gene Kothe; brother, James Leroy Kothe; sisters, Patrica Mary Griffin, Bessie Ann Middlemas, Katherine Rose Williams and Lynda Dianne Baker; five grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.

Robert is preceded in death by his parents, Perry Henry Kothe and Lillie Emma (Aksamit) Kothe; a sister, June Louise Wassenburg; a brother, William John Kothe; and a daughter, Robertta Lynn Kothe.

Funeral services will be conducted on his 90th birthday, Monday, May 13, at the LaBarge LDS Chapel in LaBarge, at 1 p.m. Interment will follow services at the Viola Cemetery, in Viola. Luncheon will follow graveside services at the Timberline Senior Center in LaBarge.