Robert Keith Plomondon was born September 8, 1931 in Plainville, Kansas, and departed this world at age 89 on September 26, 2020. Following a short illness, Robert died at Hays Medical Center. He was the 10th of 12 children born to Edward and Alma Plomondon. Growing up in Ellis as one of nine boys, Robert enjoyed playing baseball and could often be found in a game at the south lot near the Lynd house, as the Cedar Bluff Dam homes had not yet been built. Other childhood activities included serving as altar boy for St. Mary’s Church in Ellis, Kansas, and playing on the Ellis High School football team.
Robert later joined the Air Force, attending boot camp in Wichita Falls, TX. He was stationed at Davis-Montham Air Force Base in Tucson, Arizona, and attained rank of Staff Sergeant after serving from 1951-1955. Robert’s duties included recycling and adjusting atomic bombs. With the G.I. Bill, Robert then attended Fort Hays State University where he was conferred a degree in mathematics.
After landing his first job in North Carolina with Western Electric, Robert met his wife of 34 years, Betty Blue Brown. They married at the Sacrament Catholic Church in Burlington, North Carolina on November 19, 1960, and were separated by Betty’s death in 1994 of breast cancer. They had no children.
From North Carolina, Robert and Betty moved to Morristown, New Jersey, where Robert continued his career with Western Electric. They enjoyed plays in New York City with brother Ernie and wife Kay. Western Electric then transferred Robert to the Kwajalein Islands, where he and Betty lived for 4 years while Robert developed guidance systems for radar that tracked overhead missiles. After retiring from Western Electric in the mid-80’s, Robert ran his own business in Commerce City, Colorado manufacturing and selling asphalt cutters. For the last several years until present, Robert owned and managed a business renting warehouse space to other companies. Robert had a wonderful work ethic and no plans to ever stop working.
Robert spent much of the past 22 years with his longtime companion, LaDonna Martin. Robert and LaDonna spent many evenings doing what they each loved most, dancing at local dance halls. Robert was quite a dancer and could jitterbug and ballroom dance beautifully. Her daughter and son, along with their spouses and kids, considered Robert a part of the family. Affectionately known as “Plumbob” to the grandkids, Robert will be fondly remembered for his innumerable life stories. From digging a well as a youth to supply water to his home, to playing for the men’s volleyball team when stationed in the islands, Robert had many adventures.
Robert was predeceased by his wife, Betty, parents, Edward and Alma, and siblings, Lawrence, Dennis, Norman, Ernie, Cecilia, Richard, Mary Ann, James, and Roger. He is survived by younger brother, Donald Plomondon of Denver, Colorado, older sister Rita Schlotterback of Bellingham, Washington, significant other, LaDonna Martin of Ellis, Kansas, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Funeral services for Robert are pending and will be announced by Keithley Funeral Chapel 400 E. 17th Ellis, Kansas.
Condolences may be left by guest book at www.keithleyfuneralchapel.com or by email at [email protected]