William R. Netherton

William R. (Bob) Netherton passed away on June 27, 2018. His Lord was gracious with him as he lived a long and wonderful life and was engaged to the very end of his 100 plus years.

Bob was born in Chicago, IL on December 2, 1917, the son of Dr. Clyde R. And Blanche Bryant Netherton. He grew up in Chalmers, Indiana with his brother, Clyde Jr. and his younger sister, Joan. Bob graduated from Purdue University in 1939 with a degree in Pharmacy. He was a member of the Purdue Glee Club for four years and had a beautiful tenor voice. A favorite recollection of his was watching Johnny Wooden play basketball at Purdue. His recent most favorite recollection of Purdue was being serenaded by the Purdue Glee Club in March, 2018.

He began his Pharmacy career with Walgreen in Lafayette. He married Rosemary Murphy in 1941. He joined the Army-Airforce in 1942 and served as a B-29 instructor Pilot. He served in the Pacific theater during WWII and was stationed in Okinawa. In 1946, Bob joined Eli Lilly and Company and had a 32 year career as an Executive in the Manufacturing Division. He retired in 1978 and eventually moved year-round to Naples.

Bob and Rosemary had two children, Stephanie and Billy, both of whom preceded him in death as did Rosemary. Stephanie married Samuel Montgomery(Mia) and they had three children, John, Billy, and Katie. Bob’s grandchildren adored their Grandfather and spent many happy times with Grampy and Grammy. They helped Grampy celebrate his 100th birthday on December 2, 2018.

Bob had many friends in Naples. He held an annual birthday party at Royal Poinciana, beginning with his 90th, to honor those friendships. He celebrated his 100th, with friends, at his home at Moorings Park. Bob was an ardent golfer and sports enthusiast. He loved his Purdue Boilermakers.

Bob had many special friendships in Naples. Rosalyn (Rocky) Arters was one as are Candy and Bill Bibb. The ‘Minnesota friends’ were also very close to him and they liked to compete at the birthday party songfests when “Hail to ‘ole Purdue” was sung. Bob was cared for by very loving health care providers: Kathy, Jenice, Jessica, Rebecca, Brenda, and Renata. Dr. Antonino Zampogna was his long-time, faithful Physician. Bob epitomized the best of the ‘greatest generation’.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to Moorings Presbyterian Church, 791 Harbour Drive, Naples, FL., 34103 or the Salvation Army. A Memorial service in Naples at Moorings Presbyterian is being planned for early Autumn.