Ned Bobo

Ned was a true gift to his family and friends. He was a devoted family man who worked hard to provide for not only his own family but his church family and community as well. Those who had the good fortune of calling Ned their friend knew that they could always depend on him and they had a friend for life. His positive attitude was infectious and he found pleasure in the simple things in life. His wealth came not from money, but from the love of his family and friends. Ned will be deeply missed, but fondly remembered by many.

Though the most noted event of 1929 was the crash of Wall Street on October 28 leading to the period of the Great Depression, there were other, more positive events as well. The opening of the Museum of Modern Art in New York, the creation of loved cartoon character, Popeye and the invention of the soft drink 7-Up were just some of these events. However for Leon and Essie Bobo the most important event of that year was the birth of their son, Ned. Ned was born in DeKalb County, Alabama, the middle child of his family that included his sister Hilda and brother Jerry.

As a child, Ned’s family lived on a farm and operated a country general store. Ned was very active and loved riding his bicycle. Ned’s favorite time of the day was breakfast because it lasted all morning long. He had breakfast at home first and then ran off to his Grandma Heard’s for a second breakfast. He would then end up at Aunt Evie’s for his final and favorite breakfast of the day (she was the best cook).

The family moved into town (Fort Payne) during his high school years. In high school Ned was well liked and had many friends. He was a good athlete with a passion for football – playing center offense and on the defensive line. He developed friendships in high school that lasted a lifetime.

He surprised his family by eloping with his high school sweetheart and a year later had a son Steven. He started his career working for his father-in-law driving a gasoline delivery truck. Ned then had the opportunity to work at the Redstone Arsenal and his work involved the early rockets in the US space program. Unfortunately, marriage difficulties led to a divorce and afterward Ned decided to join the Navy. He proudly served his country putting the USS Constellation aircraft carrier into commission and also served on the USS Ranger aircraft carrier for many years working as a videographer of planes taking off and landing during the Vietnam War. He was awarded the following medals during his nine years in the Navy: National Defense Service, Vietnam Service, Vietnam Campaign, and two separate Good Conduct Awards.

While stationed at the Great Lakes Naval Base, he met the love of his life, Bobbie Comdohr. They were married April 25, 1964. They had a loving and supporting relationship and two daughters, Jeannie and Jaci, who were the treasures of his life.

Ned left the Navy and moved to Wisconsin with his family. He began a long career as an electrician finding a home at the Ladish Company where his hard work and excellent skills were highly valued.

It was in Racine that Ned found the Lord. A couple from a local church came by one day when Ned was at home inviting families to church. Ned asked them to return when his wife was at home. During the second visit, both he and Bobbie realized there was something different about this couple and they wanted to learn more about their relationship with God. So they visited Parkway Apostolic Church and had an experience that transformed their lives forever.

Generosity and serving others made Ned and Bobbie valued members of the church and community. Ned’s giving and caring spirit impressed others and he never had a bad word to say about anyone. He always maintained a positive attitude and a loving spirit and regularly worked on projects at home and at church. He used his electrical skills serving the church and school throughout his life until his sight began to fail. He adored his family and enjoyed a close, simple and meaningful life.

He struggled greatly when his beloved Bobbie passed away in 2000, but continued to trust in the Lord and enjoy the company of his family and friends. His own physical infirmities limited his ability to see, hear and breathe, but never limited his faith and belief in God.

Ned will be remembered and missed by many. He leaves a family very proud to call him Dad, Brother, Uncle, Grandfather and Friend.

Ned Bobo died on June 12, 2015 at the age of 85. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife Barbara Bobo (nee Comdohr). Cherished father of Steven (J.K.) Straley, Jeannie (Ric) Mazurkiewicz and Jaci Bobo. Loving grandfather of Shane Straley and Mia Mazurkiewicz. Dear brother of Hilda McGeachy and Jerry (Jean) Bobo. Further survived by other relatives and friends.

Visitation Sunday, June 14, 2015 at Parkway Apostolic Church 10940 S. Nicholson Road, Oak Creek, WI 53154 from 4:00 pm until time of the Funeral Service at 6:00 pm. Suminski LifeStory Funeral Homes, Niemann / Suminski (414) 744-5156. Please visit Ned’s Memory Page at www.SuminskiFuneralHome.com where you can share a memory of Ned, sign the guest book or upload photos.