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SINGLETON Robert Lee Bob Singleton, 88, of San Antonio, Texas, passed away on Thursday, May 8, 2014. Born April 5, 1926, in San Antonio, Bob was the son of the late James and Adele Singleton. Bob grew up in South San Antonio, Texas, always working to help support his mother and siblings, as his father died when he was only 11. He shined shoes, carried groceries, and loved working as a caddy at any golf course. He quickly became an avid golfer for life, played in the Texas Open as an amateur, won many trophies and was the 1st President of Pecan Valley Country Club. During WWII, Bob married his wife of 69 years, Cleo Mae Rentschler, in Long Beach, Ca. They met at a dance in October, were engaged to be married in November, and were married in the Navy Chapel on December 30, 1944, just before he received his sailing orders. Assigned to the USS Chilton as a signalman 3rd class, Bob served his country in the US Navy and fought in the Battle of Okinawa in 1944. The Chilton was attacked April 2, 1944, when, without warning, eight kamikazes came at the Chilton from the northeast and the southwest. He didn't realize how close he was to death, continuing to do his duty. Bob was knocked off his signal bridge, injuring his back. After the attack, the USS Chilton headed back to San Francisco for repairs. There were many casualties that day. Bob was among the survivors and returned home a hero. Bob found his life's calling as a lumberman in 1949, after he and his brother Travis founded Singleton Brothers Lumber Co. Bob helped neighbors to build homes never charging them interest on materials purchased, allowing them to "pay-as-you-can." He was a lifetime member of the VFW 6012. Bob and Cleo enjoyed a lifetime of traveling, cruising, golfing, and bowling. Bob was preceded in death by his brothers Jack, Travis, Bill and infant sister, and his sons, Robert Singleton, Jr., Grant Singleton, and granddaughter Marilyn Magro, along with many other beloved family members. He is survived by his wife Cleo, daughter Sonya Holesovsky and son-in-law James Holesovsky, grandchildren Brandon & Amber Holesovsky, great grandson Russell and grandson Blake Holesovsky, daughter Dawn Magro and son-in-law Louis Magro, grandchildren Dr. Amber & Moses Moreno, great grandchildren Matthew, Everett, Corinne and Liam-Scott Moreno, great granddaughter Amber Brooke Magro, daughter-in-law Sharon Singleton, grandchildren Nathan & Melody Singleton, Leanna Singleton and great grandchild, Emilee Singleton, brothers Johnny and Stanley Singleton, and "sister" Betty Vacek. Bob's final gift was the donation of his body for medical research in the hope of helping others

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Robert Lee Singleton

April 5, 1926 - May 8, 2014