Robert "Bob" Kelm

Robert Edward Kelm, “Bob”, Age 72, passed away Wednesday, August 6th, 2025. He was Born in Forks, Washington on April, 25th 1953. Throughout his childhood he bounced between Port Townsend, WA, a logging camp on Prince of Whales Island, Alaska, Chlehalas, WA, and back to Chimacum WA to spend his High school years as a Chimacum Cowboy. He graduated Chimacum High School in 1971. While in High School he was a star football player from his freshman year to his senior year (Go Cowboys #60). He was also in basketball, track and was a member in multiple clubs, one which was Car Club which gave him a lifetime love of tinkering. He was a shy, smiley, popular and well loved member of his class. His next Chapter was to join the Air Force right out of High School. From childhood he was passionate about airplane models, his dream was to become a pilot. His knowledge was superb but his ears never passed the test. At one point he traded a truck for an ultra-light but he wrecked it on day one! In the next stage of his life he decided to join his sister Carol in the fishing industry, where he ended up Captaining one of her boats with a crew of old friends. Mostly working on boats off the California coast. Shortly after, he met his soon to be wife, Suzie Kelm at a restaurant in San Pedro, CA. Susie and Bob got married the following year in 1979. Life stayed busy for Bob for that same year he took guardianship of his nephew Steven and that began their father and son relationship. Soon after he took up his beloved career of being a truck driver. Bob was a kind, generous man. He loved his family the most. Especially enjoying his Family reunions in Washington, and family in California. He was a big softy, a big fan of movies and TV shows. One of his favorite shows being Gilmore Girls! With a heart full of nostalgia and being extremely sentimental, he had a collection of photos, letters and birthday cards from his entire life. Bob was very passionate about his trucking business. He was given multiple awards and the one he was most proud of, was driving a million miles safely. He loved his big rig trucks, often making Steven polish them as punishment. As a lifetime learner he spent a lot of his time, while traveling, listening to audio books and learning as much as he could about the cities he stopped in. Bonus points if these cities had any aviation museums. While traveling cross country he always went out of his way to visit family, where his heart felt most connected. He was overwhelmingly generous with his friends and family. Bob’s home base was Montana, where he lived for decades and had many cherished friends. In August 2024 Bob moved to Texas to be with his family. Bob became a member of the Ables Springs Church of Christ and was baptized the same year. He cherished and loved his church family and his final wishes were to be with them. Bob loved helping his family as much as he could. He spent many hours mowing Steve and Jane’s property (when he wasn’t breaking the mowers). He loved going out for their ‘Birthday Dinners’ with friends and family. Bob’s final days were spent in Hospice care at the home of his sister-in-law Debbie Benefield. His final days were spent surrounded with love from his family and his final moments wrapped in his son’s arms. He was a beloved Husband, Father, Brother, Grandfather, uncle and best friend. Preceded in death by his parents Bob and Gwen Kelm and sister Carol Middleton. He is survived by his wife Susie Kelm, son Steven Plant (Jane), granddaughter Mia Plant (Brett Ellison), Sister Karlena Black (Tim), niece Corrie Knutson (Corey), niece Nicole Black (Wade Larsen), great nephew Liam Larsen, nephew Ed Black, nephew Brett Black(Jessette), Sister Marcia Atwood, nephew Lester Atwood (Toni), great nephews Rhys Atwood, Conner Atwood, niece Jenna Milazzo, great nephew Westley Milazzo. Bob is now riding in a ‘Big Rig’ in the sky with his lord and savior. He loved his family, he loved his friends and he loved his new church family. He was loved by all and he will be dearly missed. A Celebration of Bob's Life will be held at 11:30 a.m., Sunday, August 10, 2025 at the Able Springs Church of Christ in Terrell, Texas.

Tributes

Robert "Bob" Kelm

April 25, 1953 - August 6, 2025