Deon D. "Bob" Sturm, 78, of Citra, Florida

(09/29/2015)
Deon D. "Bob" Sturm, 78, of Citra, Florida passed away at home on Monday 28 Sept 15 after a long history of Heart Disease.

Bob was born October 20th 1936 in Millstone, West Virginia. He was the son of the late Fred and Geraldean Sturm. He is preceded in death by brothers Fred Sturm Jr., Henry L Sturm, Ershel "Buck" Sturm, and sister Mildred Cunningham.

He was Co-Captain of the Football team at Calhoun County High, and has been active with the Class of 55 group thru the years.

Bob was retired from the Oil Field. He worked locations in West Virginia, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Kentucky.

He was active in the International Oil & Gas Association, and was a past member of Masonic Lodge #3, Parkersburg, WV.

In his retirement years, Bob and Dixie moved to Florida to join their daughter and son-in- law on a small farm. Bob in essence returned to his roots. He took over everyday operation of the farm and became the "chief goat wrangler and donkey whisperer".

He was adored by many farm animals and barn cats. In his final months, his two favorite Briards, Miko and Deaver became Therapy Dogs so they could visit him in the hospital.

Bob is survived by Dixie L (Bragg) Sturm, his wife of 59 years, and his daughter Michelle K (Sturm) Holmes and husband James M Holmes, of Citra, Fl.

Nephews, Richard Cunningham of Tampa, FL , James Cunningham of Blufton, SC, Thomas Russell of Green Island, NY and nieces Rebecca Ann Engelke of Bakersfield, CA, Melissa Harper of PA, Rhonda K Price of WV and Karen Smith of Strongsville, Ohio. Sister-inlaws, Pamela Brammer of Mooresville, NC and Gail Stoops of Vienna, WV.

Bob was fortunate enough to have a lifelong friend, Neal Rudder, of Hollywood, Florida whom he leaves behind. Their friendship spanned 60 plus years from Halliburton to Ramco Oil & Gas to Dolphin Energy.

Tribues to his life may be made to the American Heart Association, or to the Alliance of Therapy Dogs, PO Box 20227, Cheyenne, WY 82003.