Robert G. Gulley

Robert G. Gulley, 73, died suddenly at his home in Oak Harbor Dec. 21, 2003. He was born March 15, 1930, in Homer, La., to James H. and Julia K. (Cunningham) Gulley. James Gulley was an oilman for Phillips Petroleum and Robert followed his father’s oil career.

Robert Gulley was raised in Borger, Texas, where he graduated from high school. Mr. Gulley enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served one tour. He left the Navy and returned to Texas, where he attended West Texas State College for three years.

Mr. Gulley re-entered military service with the start of the Korean War. He joined the U.S. Marine Corps as an enlisted man. He remained in with the Marines at the end of the war and continued service into Vietnam, where he was given a field commission. Robert Gulley retired in 1980 with the rank of major, U.S.M.C. He was married to Ardith R. Holcomb June 29, 1979, in Okinawa.

Mr. Gulley was an amateur radio operator for many years. He enjoyed reading, refinishing furniture, travel and was a Civil War and World War II buff. He was a talented Trivial Pursuit player.

Robert Gulley is survived by his wife Ardith at the family home, Oak Harbor; by seven children: Kathleen Gulley of New York City, Elizabeth Thornton and Patricia Gulley, both of Bellingham, Robert Gulley, Jr. of Seattle, Robert Baum, Jr. of Madison, Wis., Rebecca Rae Rainford of Green Bay, Wis., and Eric M. Baum of Encinitas, Calif.; by one sister, Lorraine Rehders of Texas; and one brother, John C. Gulley of Slidell, La.

One daughter, Margaret Lorraine Gulley, and one brother, James H. Gulley, Jr., preceded him in death.

Mr. Gulley requested no formal funeral services be conducted. Cremation was held with private family inurnment to follow at a later date. Memorials may be made to the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society. Arrangements are under the direction of Burley Funeral Chapel, Oak Harbor.