Robert Louis Gentry

Robert L “Bob” Gentry passed away on Friday, March 16, 2018, at Peace Hospice from complications of ALS. Bob was born July 2, 1945. He was raised in St. Louis, MO where he was very active in the Boy Scouts of America joining when he was 8 years old and attaining his Eagle rank at age 14 in July of 1959.Bob graduated from high school in 1963, choosing the Humanics program which trains youth leadership while attending Missouri Valley College in Marshall, MO. He changed his major in his junior year and attained his B.S. Degree in Education with his K-12 Art certification.Every summer during his college years, he worked at Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico.While at Missouri Valley, he met the love of his life, Peggy Carney, who became his wife on September 1, 1968. Bob was stationed at Malmstrom AFB as an illustrator/artist for two years, then was shipped to SAC Headquarters in Omaha, NE in 1970. In 1971, Bob and Peggy were blessed with their son, Bryan, who came to them from Nebraska Children's Home in Omaha. The small Gentry family moved back to Great Falls where teaching jobs were scarce. Bob chose to go back to his original calling of being a youth leader, joining the Iowa Council, BSA, in Ottumwa, Iowa. There they were blessed with their daughter, Jennifer.From Iowa, they were transferred to Ft.Collins, CO where they lived for 5 years before being transferred to Wichita, KS.The Gentrys remained in Wichita for only 18 months moving back to Ft. Collins for 2 years before being transferred back to Great Falls.After 14 years in Great Falls, Bob was transferred to Anchorage, AK where they spent 6 years.When they chose to retire in 2005, they moved back to Great Falls where they have made their home for the last 13 years. Bob spent a total of 30 years with the Boy Scouts of America on their professional staff.After retiring from BSA, Bob chose to be a volunteer with Scouting, assisting young men in the Scouting program many of whom earned their Eagle rank. In addition to serving in the Air Force for four years of active duty, Bob chose to join the Air National Guard or Army Reserves wherever they lived while traveling the country with the BSA.He served for a total of 26 years in the military and was a very proud veteran. Bob was also a member of Rotary Club in Great Falls, Ottumwa, and Anchorage.He was a member of the Optimist and Lions Clubs of Great Falls.He was inducted into the Masonic Lodge while in Omaha, earning his 32nd Degree in Great Falls. Bob has always had a heart for children so it was fitting that he and Peggy served on the President's Council for Intermountain Children's Home in Helena for many years.He also volunteered to repair damaged children's furniture for the Children's Receiving Home in Great Falls as well as build new play furniture for the children. Bob also volunteered for FISH, served on the Board for his condo association in Great Falls, helped residents of the condos whenever he could and served as an Elderand Deacon for Sunrise Presbyterian Church in Great Falls. Bob is survived by his wife, Peggy; his son, Bryan (Dina) and their daughter, Ashley; by his daughter, Jen and her two boys, Brandon and Tyler.Bob was extremely proud of his children and grandchildren. Bob always found peace and tranquility in the outdoors hunting, canoeing, hiking and camping with friends and family. A Celebration of Life will be held on Thursday, March 29, at 11:00 am at Sunrise Presbyterian Church in Great Falls.A luncheon will be served in the fellowship hall immediately following the celebration.The family requests, in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions be made to Sunrise Presbyterian Church, 3809 6th Ave S, Great Falls, MT 59405, Peace Hospice House of Great Falls, 1501 26th St S, Great Falls, MT 59405, Intermountain Children's Home of Helena, 500 South Lamborn, Helena, MT 59601, Montana Council of the Boy Scouts of America, 820 17th Ave S, Great Falls, MT 59405, or to the charity of your choice.