CAMBLIN, ROBERT

Robert “Bob” Earl Camblin passed away peacefully at home on 11/29/23 at age 86.

Bob was born on Jan. 6th, 1937, the son of Wayne L. and Marjorie E. Camblin. Bob grew up in Atlantic Iowa. He attended Atlantic High School where he was active with football, basketball, track and band. He graduated from AHS in 1955. In 1959 Bob graduated from Simpson College with BA in Math and Physics. He also graduated from Iowa State University with a degree in mechanical engineering.

He served as an active duty and reserve Officer in the U.S. Navy from 1959 -1970. During that time, he married Judith Haury Regier. Following his naval service and college, Bob returned to Atlantic, Iowa to join the family business of Camblin Plumbing and Heating Inc, started by his grandfather, in 1918. He was proud to represent the 3rd generation of Camblins and made it a goal to see the company continue to thrive and expand. Through the years, the company completed projects in Iowa and Kansas, but the local projects related to building the community were his passion. Up until his passing, Bob dedicated time to recognizing employee talent and mentored the new team that now represents Camblin Mechanical. Part of the mentoring focus also included the creation of a national award-winning apprenticeship program, which pleased him immensely. In Bob’s retirement he transitioned the company to an employee-owned organization to enable the continued commitment to community service and economic growth.

Bob was an active member of many community organizations including the United Church of Christ, where while he served as choir director, he also served in many other leadership capacities. As a member of the Atlantic Rotary Club and Atlantic Chamber of Commerce, he held terms as president of both groups. In addition, Bob served on several boards including the Master Builders of IA, the Southwest Iowa Coalition for Economic Development, Cass Atlantic Development Corp. and Wesley Retirement Services.

Bob’s “happy place” was in the skies. He had a single and multiple engine instrument rating up until age 83. Through the years, he also enjoyed a good round of golf, fall pheasant hunting, weekly tennis competitions and boating adventures on the Lake of the Ozarks. Bob loved spending time with his grandchildren and he and Judy traveled with them around the country; taking trips to Boston, South Dakota, Denver, St Louis and Chicago, to name a few.

Those who cherish Bob’s memory include his wife of sixty-two years, Judy Camblin; brother, Bruce (Yvonne) Camblin; and three daughters and their families, Cathy (Cary) Pierce and sons, Nick Pierce and Evan Pierce (fiancé, Madison Guy); Ann (Michelle) Camblin-Bates and daughters, Amanda (Shawn) Echols- children, Emery and Jaxon, and Meridyth (Nate) Aragon – daughter, Camila, and Jennifer Larson and sons, William and John-Henry Larson.

The family wishes to express gratitude to caregiver Martha Baier, who skillfully and graciously ministered to Bob’s health needs and supported both Bob and Judy as they faced the challenges of daily life.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the family for later designation to the Atlantic United Church of Christ, Vision Atlantic for the expansion of YMCA childcare and youth programs, or SHIFT ATL (www.shiftatl.org).

Visitation with the family present will be held from 4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m., Monday, December 4th at the United Church of Christ in Atlantic.

A Celebration of Life Memorial service will begin at 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, December 5th at the United Church of Christ. To honor Bob’s service in the United States Navy military honors will be given by the Atlantic Color Guard. Burial will be held following a luncheon in the fellowship hall at the Atlantic Cemetery at 2 p.m.

The service will be recorded and available on the funeral home website by noon on Wednesday.

Roland Funeral Home is caring for Bob’s family and his arrangements. Condolences may be left at www.rolandfuneralservice.com.