Bobby Lee Columbus

Bobby Lee Columbus was born on June 24th, 1927 in Breckenridge, Texas, to his Father Samuel Lewis Columbus and Mother Opal Estelle Scales.

Our loving Grandpa Bob passed away on April 1st, 2026 at the age of 98 years old. He grew up in Texas. Grandpa had 3 Sisters- Chloe Jane Columbus Wood of Midland, Texas, Barbara Columbus Borders of Arlington, Texas, and Martha Columbus Tucker of Arlington, Texas. He was 1 of 4 Brothers: Richard Columbus of Weatherford, Texas, James A Columbus of Sinton, Texas, and Tommy Columbus of Texas.

Indifferent to the size of those tried hurt them, Bobbie often stepped in to protect them.

Feeling the Call to defend HIS COUNTRY, in the wake of Pearl Harbor, He enlisted in the Army at 15 years old and was deployed to the Pacific Theater in New Guinea and Luzon, It was There Where He earned 2 Bronze Medal Stars, One for the Asiatic Pacific Campaign and One for the American Theater Campaign. Good Conduct Medal and a Victory Ribbon.

Bob was a War Hero, after the War, He never bragged about his Wartime Exploits. His Quiet Demeanor spoke ‘Never start a fight, but defend Yourself.’ When People around him needed protection…HE WAS THERE. More often though, Grampa was buying Ice Cream for the Neighborhood Kids.

Bob was a loving husband to Thora Ila Columbus, Married Grandma 4 September 1955 she preceded him in death October 11, 1994. Grandpa became a Stepfather to Three Girls, Barbara Bigler, Kathleen C Fowler, and Claudia C Silver. Bobbie saw All Three of his Girls married, and comforted Them When Death took their Husbands.

Bob was devoted to his family and would use his vast expertise to help with Any Family Repair needs that came up. There were Few If Any of his Possessions, He wouldn’t give to Them. Although on the Surface Grandpa was a Blue Collar, Dirt Beneath his Nails Man, often used his Skills to make Artistic Creations for Those around Him. When Grandma got Fish Tank, He made her a stand for it. There were Myriad Other Examples of his Blue Collar Artistry.

Bob was a large man in stature and an even larger man in life. Only his Heart was bigger. He lived life independently on his terms. He was known for his vast wisdom and his honest, blunt conversations. Despite being of strong opinions, he never expressed them with hate. The World could learn that quality.

Grandpa was preceded in Death by his Parents, 3 Sisters and 2 Brothers, his Daughters Kathleen Fowler and Claudia Silver. He is survived by his Brother Richard Columbus, his Daughter Barbara Bigler, Grandsons Jeff Fowler, Fred Fowler, and Scott Silver (Anna) Granddaughters Darlene (Hal) Hatch, Karyn Ault, Shanna Aldrich, and Michelle (Duane) McWilliams, and 22 Great Grandchildren and 38 Great Great Grandchildren.

Bobby Lee Columbus was a War Hero, Husband, Father, Grandfather, Great Great Grandfather, Welder, Artist, Builder, Diver, Entrepreneur, Fisherman, Adventurer, Miner, and Fabricator. He will be Missed.

Funeral services will be held Friday April 10, 2026. A viewing will be held from 11:00am- 12:00 pm at Larkin Mortuary, 260 E South Temple, Salt Lake City, Utah. Followed by a Graveside Service at Salt Lake City Cemetery (200 N Street) beginning at 12 pm.

Those wishing to view the service via Zoom can click "Watch Service" or follow the link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83453638172