Robert L. Plute

Robert (Bob) L. Plute, 86, passed away at his home in Paonia, on Sunday May 5, 2019.

Graveside services will be held on Friday May 10 at 1 pm at Valley Lawn Cemetery in Montrose.

Bob was born September 11, 1932 in Somerset, Colorado to Antone and Ann Plute. He was the second of two children. Bob attended school in Paonia.

Bob met the love of his life, Mary Ellen Frank, and they were married September 5, 1953 in Grand Junction. They had two children from this union.

Bob entered into the United States Air Force in 1952. He served in Korea, Turkey, Libya, Vietnam and Thailand. He served as a radar operator. He achieved the rank of Tech Sergeant and served 20 plus years.

On retirement he remained in St. George, Utah and went into a partnership in a HVAC business. After after a couple of years, he purchased his own HVAC company in Knab, Utah. After several years, he moved the business to Montrose in order to take care of his parents. In addition to running the family business with his son, he also was a rural mail carrier. On semi-retirement from the business, he moved back to Somerset and eventually back to Paonia for the remainder of his life.

Bob’s hobbies included hunting and fishing with his son. Time spent with his family was always a priority. He enjoyed spending time at the Legion with his friends. A great pastime included traveling to bowling tournaments around the country with his son and daughter in law. He always was thrilled to travel to Denver to watch his Rockies in person.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife Mary, his parents and his sister.

He is survived by his daughter Denise and husband Robert and son Mark and wife Loral, all four living in Montrose.  He also has three grandchildren and several great grandchildren, in addition to nieces and nephews.

Memorial contributions may be made to Legion Post 97 in Paonia in Bob’s memory.