Robert Henry "Bob" Cody

Robert Henry “Bob” Cody, 92, passed away on March 11, 2020 at the Bonaventure Senior Living Center in Pueblo. He was born on September 14, 1927 in Sioux City, Iowa to Henry Edward & Loretta Marie (Lucey) Cody. He married Shirley Mae Vermilyea on May 9, 1953 in Sioux City, Iowa.

Bob spent his childhood and attended school in Sioux City, graduating from Trinity High School in 1945. He then attended college at Creighton University in Omaha, NE, & graduated from Loras College in Dubuque, Iowa. He then attended St. Mary’s University & Seminary Roland Park in Baltimore, MD for one year. He served in the U.S. Navy S1c Active Duty from June 1945 through August 1946 and was also part of the Active Reserve Duty in Sioux City, IA and reserve station summer of 1948.

Throughout his high school years he worked for the Cudahy Packing Company and during the summer for the Power Engineering Company in Sioux City. While working for Securities Acceptance in Sioux City he met his wife to be, Shirley. In 1952, he moved to Colorado where he worked at the General Credit Corp in La Junta, then later at First Federal S &L and Austin Insurance Agency also in La Junta. In 1962, he entered into the insurance profession and earned his CLU degree in 1968 and his ChFC degree in 1982.

Bob was very active in the community. In 1959 he founded the La Junta Mavericks and was the 1st Ranch Boss. He was President of the La Junta Chamber in 1960, and in 1994 was part of the La Junta Chamber of Commerce Host Committee. Bob served as a La Junta Police Reserve from 1959 - 2002, he was a charter member, the first Reserve EMT and Captain 4 different years. Bob was a founding and charter member of the Colorado Boys Ranch Board, and the founding board treasurer. He was the founding President and a board member of LJ Development Inc from 1988-1993. He served on the La Junta Utilities Board for six years and the AVRMC board for two. He was a member of the La Junta Lions Club from 1957-1972 and was president in 1959. Bob was a member of the American Society of CLU & ChFC member from 1968-1994 and the president of the Southern Colorado Chapter from 1980-1982. Bob was appointed to the Southern Colorado Film Commission in the 1970's and was instrumental in bringing several movies to the area including: "How the West was Won", "Mr. Majestik", and the "Badlands".

Bob received the Colorado Boys Ranch Everette O. Marshall Distinguished Service Award, South Eastern Colorado Enforcement Association Outstanding Citizen Award in 1993, the La Junta Police Department 35 year membership award and in 2012 the La Junta Chamber Community Service Award.

He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Shirley; sons, William Cody of Pueblo; James (Monica) Cody of Albuquerque, NM; Thomas (Sherri) Cody of Cody, NE; daughters, Theresa (Mike Cowen) Cody of Midland, TX; Jean (Steve) Gingerich of Parnell, IA and Julie (Dwight) Proctor of Swink; grandchildren, Stephanie (Ryan) Schlaubaugh of Kalona, IA; Cody (Liina) Bender of Nashville, TN; Jill (Vince) Anderson of Kalona, IA; Ross (Will Federico) Bender of Los Angeles, CA; Nick (Andrea) Cody of Buffalo, WY; Chris (Chandra) Cody of Casper, WY; Sally (Jason) Huddle of Palisade, CO; Levi (Kelly) Gingerich of Appleton, WI; Luke (Annie) Gingerich of Palisade, CO; Jamie Cody of Albuquerque, NM; Alicia Cody of Fort Collins, CO; Leah Cody of Greenville, NC; Tyler Cody of Albuquerque, NM; Kim (Tyler) Pittman of Nixa, MO; Cade & Kitra Cody of Cody, NE; Natalie, Lauren & Cord Proctor all of Swink; 26 great-grandchildren; sister-in-law, Lucille Reynolds of Grand Junction, CO. He was preceded in death by his parents and his sisters, Eva Lewis and Joy Keller.

A graveside service will be Friday, August 7, 2020 at 11:00 a.m. at the Ft. Lyon National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers those wishing to do so may make memorial contributions to the Colorado Boys Ranch Youth Connect, 12567 W. Cedar Dr., Suite 101, Lakewood, CO, 80228 direct or through the funeral home.

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