CENTER — Longtime retired farmer, Robert (Bob) Felmlee, passed away on November 20, 2019 in Colorado Springs.

Bob was born April 23, 1932 to William W. Felmlee and Alice (Woodward) Felmlee. Bob graduated from Center High School and attended Colorado State of Education. After graduating from college, he started farming with his Dad. He said that the only potato was the “Real McClure potato.”

Bob married Betty Rush and enjoyed almost 60 years together. They had two children.

In 1990 Bob and four other farmers bought the old Safeway building in Monte Vista and turned it into a bowling alley.

Bob was a member of the United Methodist Church, Past Master and 32-degree Mason. He was a past chairman of SLV Potato Committee, a member of the National Potato Council and the National Potato Board. He was the President of the School Board, Republican County Chairman and was also the chairman of the San Luis Valley Water Conservancy Board for 19 years.

One great memory was being part of the Center Viking basketball team, which won the 1950 Colorado State Class B Championship. Bob enjoyed going to the cabin at Pearl Lake with his grandchildren.

Bob enjoyed bowling and attended the National Bowling Tournament through the state. He was an avid Bronco fan and went to two Super Bowl games. He also enjoyed golfing.

Bob is survived by his loving wife, Betty; his son, Jim; daughter, Pam (Roger) Mollenkamp; granddaughter, Amber Felmlee; grandsons, Jimmy Felmlee and Daniel Mollenkamp; stepbrother Johnny (Marilyn) Baker; sister-in-law, Marilyn Ford; and brother-in-law, Jon Rush (Elner).

He was preceded in death by his parents; two baby brothers; stepmother, Doris (Baker) Felmlee; and stepbrother, KC Baker.

A Memorial Service will be held Monday, December 2, 2019 at the Center Methodist Church at 11 a.m.

In leu of flowers, please make donations to Center Fire and Ambulance, the Diabetic Association or the Center Methodist Church.

Arrangements are in care of Strohmayer’s Funeral Home.