Robert Earl Gaither Jr.

In Loving Memory of Robert “Bob” Earl Gaither Jr.

March 20, 1944 – August 26, 2026

Robert “Bob” Earl Gaither Jr., 82, passed away on August 26, 2026, leaving behind a lifetime of love, laughter, service, and treasured memories.

Bob was born at home in Starke, Florida, on March 20, 1944, to Mary Elizabeth Harper and Robert E. Gaither Sr.

A proud United States Navy veteran, Bob served his country during the Vietnam War as an RM2 Radioman. He served aboard the USS Mispillion, an oiler operating off the coast of Vietnam, and was later assigned to the USS Ashtabula during the ship’s jumboization while in dry dock. Bob was recognized as a Blue Water Navy Veteran and awarded the Vietnam service medal with bronze star and the national defense medal. His service to his country was a source of great pride and reflected the dedication and sense of responsibility that remained a part of him throughout his life.

Bob carried that same strong work ethic into his civilian life. He retired from GTE/Verizon after 28 years of dedicated service. Never one to remain idle for long, he later began a second career with the Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office, where he worked for 12 years and was nearing a second well-earned retirement.

But of all the chapters in Bob’s life, perhaps the one he treasured most was the beautiful life he shared with the love of his life, Dorothy.

Bob and Dorothy were married for 33 wonderful years and made their home together in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. Theirs was truly a fairytale marriage—a life built on love, friendship, laughter, devotion, and simply enjoying being together. They lived their best life each and every day, creating a home and a marriage filled with memories that Dorothy will carry with her always.

Bob found happiness in both the simple things and the people he loved. He was an amazing chef who enjoyed sharing his talents in the kitchen, an avid gardener, a devoted reader, and a lover of vintage movies. Those who knew him will remember his kindness and thoughtfulness, his wonderful sense of humor, and especially his good, hearty laugh—a laugh that could fill a room and will be deeply missed.

Above all else, Bob was a family man.

He loved deeply, gave generously of himself, and played an important role in helping shape his family into the people they are today. His wisdom, humor, guidance, strength, and unconditional love became part of the foundation upon which his family grew. His influence will continue to live on through the generations that follow him.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents, Mary Elizabeth Harper and Robert E. Gaither Sr., and by his beloved daughter, Darci, who passed away in 2022.

He leaves behind the love of his life, his wife, Dorothy; his daughter, Dusti (Damon); his grandchildren, Ceajay, Kayla (Andrew), Kory (Cami), Carsen, Samantha (Shawn), Kelsey (James), Devin, and Ryanne; and his great-grandchildren, Gillienne, Sydney, Oaklee, Ronan, Haven, Sawyer, Connor, Ian, and Landon.

To those who loved him, Bob was so much more than the dates and accomplishments that mark a life. He was a faithful son, devoted husband, a loving father, a proud grandfather and great-grandfather, a veteran, a friend, a storyteller, a gardener, a cook, and a man whose laughter and presence made life better simply because he was there.

Bob was a kind, thoughtful, funny, and loving man who was loved by many. His absence leaves an immeasurable space in the lives of those who knew and loved him, but so does the extraordinary love he leaves behind.

His family will miss his voice, his laughter, his stories, his meals, his wisdom, and the comfort of simply knowing he was there. Yet the lessons he taught, the memories he created, and the love he gave so freely will remain with them always.

A life well lived.

A love story beautifully shared.

A family forever changed by his love.

And a man who will never be forgotten.

Rest peacefully, Bob. You were deeply loved, and you will be greatly missed.

Bob will be laid to rest with full military honors.

Thursday, September 17th, 2026

10:30 AM -Please arrive no less than 15 minutes before.

Washington State Veterans Cemetery

21702 W Espanola Rd,

Medical Lake, WA 99022