Robert Berkland

Robert Allen (Bob) Berkland 1947-2012 Family and friends will gather in Grapevine, Texas at First Methodist Church to celebrate the life of Robert Allen (Bob) Berkland. Bob went to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ August 31, 2012 in Dallas, Texas in the company of his family. He was a fifteen-year cancer survivor, passing at 64 years of age. Robert Allen Berkland was born on September 24, 1947 in Morris, Illinois to Stanley and Winifred Berkland. He grew up in Aurora and graduated from East Aurora High School in 1965. Soon after graduating, Bob joined the United States Air Force, serving on active duty deployment in Vietnam. Bob earned the rank of Staff Sergeant and ensured the safety of countless air crew and cargo flights. Bob honored and networked with other veterans throughout his life, valuing that fellowship. Before deployment, Bob married high school sweetheart Lena Sue Robinson on November 26, 1966. Together they have raised three children, each with families. Also a business man, Bob returned from the Air Force to his career in Management with Kmart, specializing in troubleshooting and store performance turnarounds. Bob retired from Kmart after 20 years in 1984. Turning his talents and interest to overhead door manufacturing, Bob developed nation-wide business for overhead door manufacturers Durfee Door and Wayne Dalton. With that experience and a heart for family and community, Bob established Advanced Door Company, a family-run overhead door dealer and distributorship in Ponca City, Oklahoma. In 1997 oncologists found cancer in its latter stages. Induced by Agent Orange exposure, both illness and aggressive initial treatment exacted a toll on Bob's health. Advanced Door Company was sold, and Bob and Lena moved to Texas. Bob became Marketing Director for an agency of the Dallas-Fort Worth Hospital Council, significantly expanding their business in Texas. Bob and Lena travelled together often, spending time with kids and grandkids. Bob Berkland fought, and for most of 15 years won, a valiant and persistent battle. Against odds and prognosis, Bob focused on the hope for victory and more visibly on the well-being of others. Through Bob, including his everyday gestures and a self-governed Godly manner, an earthly life provides a guide to the fruit of the spirit (Galatians 5:22-23). Bob Berkland is survived by his lovely wife Lena, their three children Lisa Renae (Berkland) Miller, Katrina Cae (Berkland) Gunn, and Robert Allen (Rob) Berkland II. Also, the grandchildren Peyton and Hailey Miller, Addison and Greyson Gunn, and Robert Allen III and Christian Berkland. Bob is also survived by his brothers James and Byron Berkland and their sister Leah (Berkland) Bentz. Bob's parents, Stanley and Winifred preceded him in passing.

Robert Berkland

September 24, 1947 - August 31, 2012