Robert D. Widdicombe

Mr. Widdicombe died Sunday, June 6, 2004, at his home.

He was born March 27, 1921, in Omaha, Neb., the son of Albert and Ethel Emily Biscoe Davis Widdicombe. He graduated from Vinton Elementary School and then from North High School in 1940, both in Omaha. He graduated from Cornell School for Restaurant Management. He lived on a farm south of Omaha for about 43 years before he moved to Ottawa in 1994.

Mr. Widdicombe served with the U.S. Marines from July 1942 to December 1945 in the South Pacific.

He operated E. O. Furen Jewelry Store in Omaha and later worked in food service at various restaurants, hospitals and at Offutt Air Force Base, all in Omaha. He was a member of First Christian Church in Ottawa and sang in the choir. He was also a member of the American Legion in Springfield, Neb., and was active with the Sarpy Serenaders Barbershop group in Bellevue, Neb.

He married Ella Rachel Dillon on June 23, 1956, in Omaha. She survives of the home.

Other survivors include a son, Kent Robert, Hillsboro, Ore.; two daughters, Wendy Rachel Gieringer, Ottawa, and Susan Ella Rodgers, Edwardsville; and seven grandchildren.

Friends may call from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. today, 8:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Wednesday and 8:30 a.m. until the service hour Thursday at the mortuary.

The family suggests memorials to the church, sent in care of the mortuary, 235 S. Hickory St., Ottawa 66067.

E-mail condolences may be sent to dengelmortuary@sbcglobal.net.