Robert John Wert
Robert John Wert, formerly of Chattanooga, died on Tuesday, April 9 at his home in Crossville, Tennessee. He was 89.
Born March 27, 1924 in Newton, Ia., he was the oldest of four siblings. Following high school, he enlisted in the USMC, serving in the Pacific in World War II. Upon return from the service, he earned two degrees in engineering from Iowa State University in Ames, Ia. Around this time, he started his family with Dorene (Birchard) Wert also from Newton. They would have four children together and eventually move to Chattanooga where he would spend the next 30 years working as a research engineer for DuPont.
He served as an elder at the Red Bank Presbyterian Church until his retirement and subsequently move to Crossville, where he was an active member at the Fairfield Glade United Methodist Church.
Mr. Wert was a man of many interests. He was an avid gardener, known for his dahlias and blueberries. He was a master carpenter and wood carver, a voracious reader, stamp collector, and loved the outdoors. He spent many years actively working with the Boy Scouts of America in Chattanooga, earning the Silver Beaver Award, the highest honor bestowed on an adult leader in Scouting. All of his sons and grandsons are Eagle Scouts. He taught his grandkids to hunt, fish, handle a gun, and to take great interest in education. He was curious about all of life, a defender of freedom, a man of the Church, and a patriot. All who knew him benefited from his kind heart and willing spirit.
Easily his greatest interest, however, was his family, all of whom celebrate his life, faithfulness to Christ, and endless enthusiasm.
He was preceded in death by two of his children, Bobby Wert and Linda Bryant.
He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Dorene, brother, Charles of Oviedo, Fla., and sister, Jackie Wert of Chicago, Il.; son-in-law, Mitchell (and Kitty) Bryant of Chattanooga, daughter, Debby (and Al) Wilson of Crossville, and son, Bill (and Debbie) Wert of Tallahassee, Fla. He would want his grandchildren named as well and they are: Holly (Bryant) Waldroup of Brentwood, Tn., Robby Wilson and Matthew Bryant, both from Chattanooga, Jennifer (Wert) Cash of Micanopy, Fla., Lindsey (Wilson) Thompson and Daniel Wilson, both of Crossville, and 12 great-grandchildren, numerous nieces and nephews, and dear friends.
Services will be on Saturday, April 13, at 11 a.m. CST, with visitation just before at 10 a.m. at the Fairfield Glade United Methodist Church. The Reverend Will Wells will officiate.
Memorial contributions may be made to any of the following: The Boy Scouts of America (Cherokee Area Council), Hospice of Cumberland County, Fairfield Glade United Methodist Church Library Fund, or Calvary Presbyterian Church of Big Lick, Tn.