Robert Glen Schwinger

Although it had been twice repaired, Bob Schwinger's heart gave out for good on Thursday, March 8, 2018. He was in the pickup to go to yet another doctor appointment when his body just decided enough is enough and he left this earthly realm.

Robert Glen Schwinger, 77 of La Junta passed away on March 8, 2018 at the Arkansas Valley Regional Medical Center in La Junta. He was born in Dodge City, KS on November 11, 1940, the first child of Glen and Kathryn Walkinshaw Schwinger. His family lived in Utah before coming to Colorado where Bob was raised on the Gano Ranch about 23 miles NE of Ordway.

After graduating from Ordway High School in 1959 he left to work in a mine in Gilpin
before going to work as a long haul truck driver for his uncle Steve Walkinshaw. By the
time he was around 12 years old Bob already had several years of experience driving
pickups around the ranch to help his dad, often driving into town for supplies. But when
he saw his first big truck up close on a cold and snowy Thanksgiving day at his uncle's
house, he decided that is what he was going to do when he grew up…drive a big truck.
He did for 50 years; coast to coast and border to border. And he loved every minute of
being an 'outlaw' driver, going as fast as he could, driving more hours than anyone
should, eating Mr. Goodbars and drinking Pepsi.

Bob was a truck driver in the Army at Ft. Hood, TX. He returned home in 1965 and
found his parents had moved off the ranch and were soon to go to Alaska.

Bob never called himself a collector, but he leaves behind at least 5000 books, 73
hammers, 53 baseball hats, 15 pairs of shoes, many of them worn only two or three times, and every cowboy boot he ever had. And friends everywhere he ever went.

He is the father of two sons, Kevin (Danette) Ingland of Loveland and James (Gina) Ingland of San Jose, CA, and a daughter, Deva Lynn who died in infancy. He has
four grandchildren, Tim Rosesis, Cody, Tyler and Kaitlyn Ingland, and four step
granddaughters, Emily Bennett, Emmelia Ashton, Maura Ashton, and Leeanna See; brothers, James (Charyl) Schwinger of Pueblo and Richard (Marion) Schwinger of Shirley, MA; sister, Elizabeth (Andy) Hibbs of Girdwood, AK; four nephews, two grandnieces and two grandnephews.

After four failed marriages, Bob cautiously reconnected with his high school sweetheart,
Nancy West Bennett, at his 50 year class reunion. They spent his last nine and half
years re-igniting that first and best love.

Although a little rough around the edges, Bob could talk to and become friends with
anyone. And as much as he hated hospitals and people with needles in their hands,
everyone always left his hospital rooms laughing.
Memorial service will be held on Saturday, March 17, 2018 at 2:00 p.m. at Peacock Memorial Chapel. A gathering of friends afterwards at Somewhere On San Juan, 422 San Juan, in La Junta.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Southeast Colorado Creative
Partnership (SECCP) Plaza Block Building Fund, 422 San Juan.

Online condolences may be made at www.PeacockFH.com. Peacock-Larsen Funeral Home & Arkansas Valley Crematory is in charge of arrangements.