Robert Walter Bagwell passed away peacefully at his home in Eight Mile, Alabama on November 15, 2022, with his wife and son by his side. He was 97 years old. Bob was born on August 21, 1925 in Northport, Alabama. He was the youngest of eight siblings, In high school, he played the trombone in the band, where he met a beautiful drum major named Freida. They got married on her 17th birthday, and were married for nearly 79 years. Shortly after, Bob enlisted in the navy to serve in the Second World War. He worked in the laundry aboard the USS Ammen, occasionally ironing (and saving) the wet dollar bills he would find in the pockets of the clothes he washed. In times of combat, he fought to put out fires on the ship and assisted the artillerymen. He earned a bronze medal for his service. Bob was bright, curious, adventurous, and funny. He had learned carpentry from hos father, and taught himself electrical engineering. He built the house in Eight Mile where he would live in with his family for almost half a century. He also traveled the world, living in Aruba, Papua New Guinea, Alabama, South Carolina, and Nevada. Everywhere he went, he sought adventure. He took joy in pranking his children, but also showed them enormous patience. He loved computer games, and made stained glass. He was an elder in the church and dedicated to his faith. He was also kind and compassionate. One Christmas in downtown Mobile, he saw a young child alone and gave him some cash to ensure he had a Christmas present, He used to take the table scraps out to the garden after every meal to feed the neighborhood's stray cats. In later life, he would comb Frieda's hair every night. He never completely lost his red hair. Bob is survived by his wife, Frieda; his two sons, Larry and Tim; his six grandchildren, Wendy, Katie, Trillia, Anna Frances, William, and Georgia; and other loving relatives.
August 21, 1925 ~ November 15, 2022 (age 97)
A visitation will be held at Mobile Memorial Gardens Funeral Home from 11:00AM-12:00PM with a chapel service to follow.
