Robert Rex Cloward, known as Bob by his family and friends, passed away on April 3, 2024.
Bob was born in Payson, Utah on March 30,1938 to Rex Coray Cloward and Elma Barney Cloward in small white farmhouse that neighbored the family farm. Bob grew up in Payson, raising cattle and farming hay. The oldest of three, he bore a lot of responsibility helping his parents and siblings Chad and Carol Jean.
After graduating from Payson High School Bob joined the United States Air Force where he proudly served his country. Bob was stationed at Hill Air Force Base for two years before going off to Saudi Arabia where he continued to serve and visit many different places overseas.
After returning home, Bob met and married his wife and life-long partner, Nila Jane Peart. Together Bob and Nila had four children and celebrated nearly sixty years of marriage. During the early years of their marriage they lived in Payson, Utah where Bob was employed by Geneva Steel. When Geneva shut down, they relocated the family to Dugway, Utah, where they lived on base and Bob resumed a career with the government working as a medical supply technician. The family spent many years living on base before moving to Lehi and later to Santaquin. Bob enjoyed working in Dugway for many years, and eventually retired from the government.
Soon after retiring Bob began a new career as a car salesman at Smith Auto and later the Car Guys, both in Spanish Fork, Utah. He sincerely loved selling cars and making new friends. Anyone who knew Bob always had a great time laughing and joking with him. He continued to work and sell cars for nearly another decade before fully retiring.
Bob loved spending time on the family farm in Payson, Utah, building fence, burning garbage, raising sheep, riding horses and always took his dog along for the ride. He liked to listen to good music, wasn’t afraid to do a little dancing and loved anything chocolate. Later in life he enjoyed watching Survivor, The Voice, Gunsmoke reruns and old westerns. Bob was always respectful of those around him, calling them by name, shaking their hand and forever greeting them with a smile. His kind eyes and laughter will be missed.
Bob is survived by his son Jody (Pam) Cloward, daughters Tammy Eva and Jami Cloward, son Trent (Mandy) Cloward; seven grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandson. He is preceded in death by his wife Nila Jane Cloward, daughter-in-law Julie Lynne Cloward, son-in-law James Kerry Eva, granddaughter Bekah Jane Eva along with his parents and siblings Chad Cloward and Carol Jean Cloward.
A graveside service will be held at the Santaquin City Cemetery, 100 East 300 South, Santaquin, Utah, on Friday, April 12, 2024, at 11:00 am. Interment will be in the Santaquin City Cemetery.
Leave a Condolence