Robert Southern
July 14, 1932 - September 19, 2023
Obituary
Robert (Bob) Neil Southern Jr. passed away on September 19, 2023, he was 91 years old. The eldest of three children, Robert was born in Billings Montana on July 14, 1932, to Robert Neil Southern Senior and Ethel Pons Southern. Later, Robert's parents moved the family to Missoula.
After high school, Robert attended Eastern Montana College, where he met his wife Patricia Balich. Robert was soon drafted into the US Army and sent to Germany. Once discharged, Robert returned to college, earning a bachelor's degree from EMC and a master's degree from the University of Montana Missoula. Robert and Patricia became teachers; teaching in schools located in Montana, Wyoming, and Idaho. Robert and Patricia retired in 1982 and moved back to Billings.
During his retirement, Robert volunteered much of his time to Habitat for Humanity, Pregnancy Crisis Center, Riverstone Hospice, jail ministry, Gideon's, Salvation Army, and Kiwanis. For his dedication, Robert was awarded the President's Volunteer Service Award. During retirement, Robert briefly owned a roofing company until his wife informed him he was “too old to be getting up on the roof.” Robert loved playing the piano and organ; often performing for his church and other venues like Habitat, the mall, hospitals, assisted living centers, and funerals.
After his wife Patricia passed away, Robert moved into assisted living, and later into hospice care where he continued playing the piano and volunteering his time. Robert was known for his bad-dad jokes and recited them at every opportunity. Even though he played musical instruments his entire life, Robert stated “I'm not much of a musician, I'm a performer…there's a difference.” Robert was a 32nd degree Master Mason, and a member of The Royal Order of Scotland.
Robert is preceded in death by both his parents and sister Barbra Southern. Robert leaves behind his brother Richard Southern (wife Kathy), three children Dawn Doyle, David Southern, and Mark Southern (wife Trina), multiple grandchildren, greatgrandchildren, and nieces and nephews.
A Celebration of Life will be held at 9am on Saturday September 23, 2023 at Dahl Funeral Chapel, Billings, Montana.