Bob Stanker

Robert “Bob” Allen Stanker was born on June 27, 1934, in Wheatland, WY.  His parents were Peter Alexander Stanker and Virginia Priscilla Hahn.  Bob grew up in Wheatland and graduated from high school there.  He joined the U.S. Navy on December 15, 1953, and the following year, on October 15, 1954, married Cora M. Grover in Scotts Bluff, NE.  In October of 2023, Cora and Bob celebrated 69 years of marriage.

During his service in the Navy, Bob was involved with several nuclear tests in the Pacific. In 1963 his ship the USS Longbeach (1^st nuclear-powered cruiser) was part of the first circumnavigation of the globe without refueling.  He retired from the Navy after 20 years in October 1973 as an E9 Master Chief Machinist Mate. After retiring, he moved with his family to Lander, WY.  In Lander, Bob worked for the U.S. Postal Service and retired from it after 20 years in 1996.

After a second retirement, Bob and Cora moved to Buffalo, WY, then lived in Story and Gillette, WY for several years, and finally moved to Sheridan, WY to be closer to family. 

Bob is survived by his wife, Cora Stanker, and his children, Ron Stanker (Nancy), Don Stanker (Raeline), Carrie Hilpp (Kody), and Robin Griffin (Wayne), and 9 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.

Bob loved to fish, hunt, and build all different kinds of models.  He loved and adored his family more than anything else.

 A full Military Honors service will occur at Black Hills National Cemetery at 2 pm on Thursday, January 18, 2024.  Champion Funeral Home has been entrusted with local arrangements. Online condolences may be written at www.championfh.com.