Robert A. Bob Jantz

Robert Bob Jantz, 89, of Lake Charles died at 9:25 AM on Sunday, August 25, 2013 in a local care facility.

Bob was born on May 28, 1924 in Isabelle, OK. Bob was a 1942 graduate of DeRidder High School where he participated in football and track. In the fall of that year, he enrolled in Louisiana Normal College in Natchitoches, LA and continued to play football. After completing his first year, he was drafted in the Navy. He served 2 1/2 years at Pearl Harbor. After being discharged, he returned to Northwestern State College where he played football and was on the track team until graduating in 1948. Bob was named All-State for football during his senior year. He then attended LSU in Baton Rouge obtaining a Master's Degree in Education in 1952.

His first coaching job was at Merryville High School before transferring to DeRidder High School as assistant football and head track coach. His track team won nine district championships and one state championship. In 1956 he moved to LaPorte, TX and accepted the head coaching job at LaPorte High School, coaching football and track. He then returned to DeRidder High School as assistant football and head track coach in 1960. Bob's last year to coach was in 1964. He worked as an assistant principal, ultimately retiring as principal of DeRidder Junior High in 1980.

In 1992 Bob began competing in the Senior Olympics over a period of five years, winning over 90 gold and silver medals.

In 2003 he joined the Goldenaires Band playing the guitar at the area nursing and assisted living homes and also played for church activities. Bob was a member of St. Luke Simpson United Methodist Church.

Those left to cherish his memory are his loving and devoted wife of 65 years, Jerrie Simmons Jantz; three daughters and their spouses, Janis Heal and Charles Bob of Rowlett, TX, Sandy Heft and Ronnie of Montgomery, TX, and Sharon Lee Lee Broussard and Tim of Lake Charles; a brother and his wife, Eugene Jantz and Mary Lou of DeRidder; a sister, Thelma Koehn of Leland, MS; six grandchildren, Chris and Keri Heal, Haley Mokry, Hunter Heft, and Kanon and Karlee Broussard; and two great grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held at 3:00 PM on Wednesday, August 28, 2013 at St. Luke Simpson United Methodist Church under the direction of Johnson Funeral Home. Dr. Jack O'Dell and Rev. Henry Bowdon will officiate. Burial will follow in Prien Memorial Park Cemetery. Visitation will begin in the church on Wednesday from 10:00 AM until the start of the service.

The family wishes to express their sincere gratitude to Dr. Gerry Hebert, Dr. King White, and to the staff at Grand Cove Nursing and Rehab Center.

Pallbearers will be the grandsons and son-in-laws.