Joseph Alfred "Red" Robert, 69, of Iola, Kansas, died Sunday, February 20, 2011, at his home. Red was born January 12, 1942, at North Adams, Massachusetts, the son of Roland J. and Rose A. (Fournier) Robert. He grew up in Ramona, California, where he graduated from Ramona High School in 1959. He joined the United States Air Force that same year and served for four years, including eighteen months when he was stationed at NATO in Turkey with radio communications. Following his honorable discharge from the service, he returned to Ramona where he married Virginia Ellen Brown on February 9, 1968. They have made their home in California for 20 years, Oregon for 20 years and Iola for 4 years moving here after he retired as a machinist. Red was a member of the Iola Amateur Radio Club and Stormwatchers in Iola. Besides his ham radio and storm spotting, he also enjoyed drag racing. SURVIVORS: His wife of 43 years: Virginia Robert of the home 1 Son: David Kelly Robert & wife, Wanda of Cornelius, Oregon 1 Daughter: Yvette Marie Benton of Forest Grove, Oregon 5 Grandchildren: Samantha Janiece Benton, Gwendolyn Faith Robert, Andrew Joseph Benton, Rose Gabrielle Robert and Mykayla Ellen Benton 3 Brothers: John Robert of Shelton, WA, James Robert of Chandler, AZ, and Paul Robert of Los Angeles, CA 2 Sisters: Marie Horner of Milwaukee, WI and Sandra Pacelli of Miami, OK He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Simonne Bouschow. Cremation has taken place. MEMORIAL SERVICE: 2:00 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 24, 2011, at the Waugh-Yokum & Friskel Chapel in Iola. MEMORIAL CHOICES: American Cancer Society or Iola Amateur Radio Club Memorial gifts may be left with the Waugh-Yokum & Friskel Memorial Chapel of Iola, which is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences for the family may be left on this website, www.iolafuneral.com.