Robert D. Williams

RAPID CITY | Robert D. "Bio Bob" Williams, 82, died Monday, Feb. 20, 2017, at Rapid City Regional Hospital.

Bob Williams, beloved husband, father, grandfather and friend, was born on Nov. 29, 1934, in Lake Preston to Johnny and Wilma (Woodcock) Williams. He attended Lake Preston High School where he was active in basketball, music, baseball and track and field. Bob graduated from Huron College with a degree in Physical Education, and he received his Master's degree in Education from South Dakota State University. While in college Bob continued to pursue his love of music, and was honored to sing Granada for President Truman in the Huron Arena.

Bob served in the Army/National Guard in Little Rock, AR, where he was honorably discharged as a SP44 (E-4). He ultimately devoted 35 years to teaching young people, most of which was spent at Stevens High School in Rapid City as a Biology teacher. He became affectionately known to his students as "Bio Bob." He was honored for his excellence in teaching and contributions to student life by his students when he received the Mines Award from South Dakota School of Mines & Technology. Bob was also very active active in the SDEA and the RCEA, serving as union president and serving on many committees.

Bob also served on the Board of Environmental Protection and the Board of Racial Conciliation and he helped to start the Rapid City Symphony. In retirement from teaching, Bob developed a second active career in buying and selling antique watches and clocks around the world, traveling for over 15 countries.

Bob is survived by his wife Linda; his daughters, Terri of Spokane, WA, and Lori (Scott) of Everett, WA; stepson Kip (Marsha) of Oronoco, MN; stepdaughter, Kim (Chad); grandchildren, Dan Schneider (Clarissa) and Kevin (Jenny), all of Spokane, Dylan Mannakee of Indianapolis, IN, Nicole and Jared Picotte of Topeka, KS, Ben and Maddie Frick of Oronoco, MN; and three great-grandchildren, Carter, Landon and Nora Schneider of Spokane. Bob is also survived by by hundreds of friends, all that he loved like family.

Visitation will be from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., Friday, February 24, at Emmanuel Episcopal Church, 717 Quincy St.

Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Saturday, Feb 25, at the church, with Fr. Chris Roussell presiding. Private inurnment, with military honors will take place at a future date at Black Hills National Cemetery near Sturgis.

A memorial will be established.