Robert W. Rose
March 19, 1930-July 9, 2008
Robert W. "Sonny" Rose, 78 of Michigan Street, Niles, died at 8:44 p.m. Wednesday, July 9, 2008, in his home following a brief illness.
Mr. Rose was born on March 19, 1930 in Niles to Harold K. and Sallie Lucile (Whitfield) Rose Sr.
He graduated from Niles High School, earned a degree in Communications and Computer Science from Ivy Tech, South Bend, and continued his education at Southwestern Michigan College. He lived in Niles most of his life.
He was a veteran of the Korean Conflict and the Vietnam Era serving in the United States Army. He was awarded the Army Commendation Medal for exemplary performance in saving a soldier's life on May 18, 1964 at great personal risk. He earned the Purple Heart award, having been wounded in action by enemy gunfire on January 21, 1966. He was honored to serve on the Golden Knights Paratrooper Drill Team. Staff Sergeant Rose completed his remarkable and highly decorated military career on December 2, 1972, retiring after 20 years of service. In retirement, Robert taught computer classes at Brandywine High School in Niles for 14 years. He also owned his own business, S & B Custom Software, and was a manager at Lou Ann's from 1969-76.
Bob was elected as the City of Niles Councilman of the Third Ward, serving in 1982 and 1983. He was also the State Director of MARS (Military Amateur Radio System) for Michigan, and had been a licensed operator since 1948 with the call "K8UZC".
He was a member of Mount Calvary Baptist Church, Niles the John W. Moore Lodge #42 F. & A.M., and Wolverine State Chapter #33, Disabled American Veterans.
On January 28, 1952 in Yokohama, Japan he married the former Mitsue Murata who survives. He is also survived by his daughter Jodi (Anthony) Vanlerberghe of Richland, MI. grandchildren, Ashtyn, Macen, and Ava; Jodi's mother, Sharon Matthews of Niles; and a sister, Ona Fouche of Niles.
He was preceded in death by a brother, Harold K. Rose Jr., who died on April 22, 1998, and sister, Bettie Bailey who died in 1988.
The funeral service for Robert W. Rose will be at 11 a.m. Tuesday, July 15, 2008 in the Halbritter Funeral Home, Niles. Committal services will follow at Silverbrook Cemetery in Niles and will conclude with full Military Honors by American Legion Post #51, Buchanan.
The family will receive relatives and friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Monday in the funeral home, with Masonic Rites at 7:30 p.m. by the John W. Moore Lodge #42 F. & A.M.
Contributions in memory of Robert W. Rose may be made to the Niles District Library.
Submitted by family member; publication details unknown