Robert D. Salmons

Robert D. (R.D.) Salmons, age 91, of California, passed away Wednesday, July 9, 2014, at his home. He was born June 4, 1923, in Sedalia, a son of Leonard Arthur and Jessie Fay Bell Salmons. Bob married Mary Hilda Martinez on July 21, 1943. Bob and Mary raised eight children. Over the years they also provided a home for hundreds of foster children. On October 25, 1985, he married Annette Spalding, who survives at their home. He was a World War II veteran, serving his country in the United States Navy. He was a locomotive engineer with the Missouri Pacific/Union Pacific railroad in Jefferson City, retiring after 33 years of employment. Bob was a member of the UTU (United Transportation Union) since 1946 and had served as local chairman/general chairman. He was a member of the Russellville/California Masonic Lodge, the Capital City Shriners, and the Roscoe Enloe American Legion Post 5. Bob was also a member of the Cole R-1 Russellville School Board. Bob was an avid motorcyclist, riding his Harley-Davidson throughout most of the Western United States. His passion for Harley's led to a second career as owner of Jeff City Harley-Davidson, which he operated with his son for several years. Bob also loved animals and raised a menagerie of livestock over the years. Bob especially loved horses and was known as one of the best trainers of colts in mid-Missouri.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by seven children: Kenneth Lee Salmons and wife Dianne of Russellville; Robert Leonard Salmons and John Martin of Soap Lake, Washington; Leslie Glenn Salmons and wife Sue of Eager, Arizona; Harold Woodrow Salmons and wife Jeanne of Russellville; Demetria Faye Bass of Soap Lake, Washington; Michele Burton of Eldon; Erik Wayne Salmons and wife Cherie of Houston, Texas; and Janet Alcares and husband Pat of Rapid City, South Dakota; beloved foster children including Stacy Masqua of Springfield and Gwen Porting of Jefferson City; one sister, Bonnie Maples of Pine Dale, Wyoming; special cousins, Phillip Salmons of New Franklin and Geraldine Rodgers of Raytown; father-in-law, Gary Spalding of Russellville; sister-in-law, Myra Eickmeyer of Jefferson City; sister-in-law Elvira Jacobs of Seattle, Washington; twelve grandchildren, three great grandchildren, and other relatives and friends. Bob was preceded in death by his former wife, Mary Salmons, one daughter, Debra Salmons, a son-in-law, Sam Bass, and three brothers, Bradley, Wayne, and Junior Salmons. Funeral services will be 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, July 15, at the Scrivner-Morrow Funeral Home in Russellville. A Masonic service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Interment, with military honors, will be in the Mt. Carmel Cemetery near Eugene. The family will receive friends from 6:00-8:00 p.m. Monday, July 14, at the Scrivner-Morrow Funeral Home in Russellville. Memorial contributions are suggested to the Shriners' Childrens' Hospital in St. Louis.

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