Robert Tomford, 62, of Long Prairie, passed away on Sunday, September 11, 2011 at the Douglas County Hospital. Funeral services for Bob were held Wednesday, September 14, 2011, 1:00 p.m., at St. Mary's of Mt. Carmel Catholic Church in Long Prairie with Fr. Rich Walz officiating. Interment was held at St. Mary's of Mt. Carmel cemetery, Long Prairie.
Bob was born July 27, 1949 in Slayton to William & Charlotte (Volk) Tomford. When he was young they moved to a farm in rural Osakis. Bob graduated from Osakis High School. After graduation, Bob worked for the Walleye Lodge for 2 summers then enlisted in the US Navy. After he was discharged, Bob went to work for the Garst Seed Company in Coon Rapids, Iowa. He moved back to the Osakis area where he met Lila Graves. Bob married Lila on December 31, 1977 in Long Prairie. Bob worked construction until 1982 and then went into farming full time. He farmed for 25 years in the Long Prairie area.
Bob enjoyed hunting, fishing, and visiting with his friends. He was a member of the American Legion in Long Prairie. Bob was a loving husband, father, grandfather and friend. He will be missed and forever loved.
Bob is survived by his wife Lila of Long Prairie; children: Kevin Tomford of Mound, Kris (Mike Adams) Tomford of Des Moines, Iowa, John (Katie) Tomford of Eagle Bend, Andy (Lisa) Tomford of Long Prairie, Brian (Manette) Tomford of Long Prairie; 4 grandchildren: Trista, Riley, Kole and Grady; siblings: Jerry (Judy) Tomford of Park Rapids, Richard (Pat) Tomford of Battle Lake, Rhonda (Rick) Hilla-Wartz of San Antonio, Texas, Alvin (Dorothy) Tomford of Fargo, North Dakota and his loyal companion Toby.
Bob is preceded in death by his parents.