Bob Trahern Robert "Bob" G. Trahern, 78, of Sterling, passed away Jan. 12, 2012, in Sterling. Visitation will be from 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 15, at Chaney-Reager Funeral Home, with family receiving friends from 2 to 4 p.m. Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Monday, Jan. 16, at First Baptist Church, with the Rev. John E. Roberts officiating. Interment will be at Flagler Cemetery in Flagler.

Robert was born June 3, 1933, in Sublette, Kan., to James C. Trahern Sr. and Elmo C. (Droz) Trahern, starting school in Turpin, Okla., and finally graduating from high school from Flagler. Bob lived with his family on a farm south of Flagler, but in order for him to participate in high school sports, he worked in the Flagler creamery for room and board and $2.50 a week. He started his day at 4:30 a.m. running from house to house using the running board of a 1939 Chevrolet coupe to deliver bottled milk. He said it helped him stay in shape for basketball and football!

Bob and Betty went to school together and started dating their senior year. They were married on June 28, 1953, in Flagler.

Bob served in the army from October 1953 to October 1955 and then he and Betty moved to Sterling. Bob worked as a shoe salesman for one year and then decided to go to barber school. He barbered in Sterling from 1957 to 1973 when he sold his shop to his brother, Bill. Bob then operated Trahern Hay and Grinding in Iliff for 19 years and then bought a farm in Atwood. He clerked for Sterling Livestock Commission for eight years.

Bob loved the outdoors, farming and animals. He wasn't complete unless he was puttering around outside raising cattle and horses, mowing weeds, or planting gardens and he taught his city "girls" to herd cattle, carry irrigation pipe and paint fences. He and Betty raised thoroughbred race horses for a while, too, their daughters proclaiming them their second family when they became empty nesters.

Bob was a good friend to many, always encouraging people with his friendly banter and easy smile. Children seemed to sense his love and were immediately drawn to him, settling quickly onto his lap. He was a servant to others and always willing to lend a hand to anyone who needed it.

Bob was a member of First Baptist Church and a member of the Sterling Elks lodge serving as their Exalted Ruler in 1970.

Bob was a dedicated family man, loving his wife, Betty for 58 years and raising his daughters, Shelley and Paula with a gentle hand and a kind spirit. His wisdom guided them as they grew up and continued to help them as they married and had their families. Bob was extremely proud of his family, welcoming his sons--in--law as his own and told them so. His love was always evident for his six grandchildren, their spouses and the 2 1/2 great-grandchildren. He was never shy about thanking God for the many blessings that were bestowed upon him.

He is survived by his wife, Betty L. Trahern of Sterling; daughters, Shelley L. Nehl and husband Philip of Circle Pines, Minn., Paula B. Levin and husband John of Dighton, Kan.; brothers, James C. Trahern and wife Glennis of Limon, William H. Trahern and wife June of Sterling; sisters, Patricia Jensen and husband Tom of Flagler and Maryln Elrick of Akron; six grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Charles Trahern.

Memorials may be made to First Baptist Church, Sterling Chapter of the American Cancer Society or Hospice of the Plains.