Pastor Robert B. Litzenberger, Jr.

Reverend Robert B. Litzenberger, Jr., of Windsor, California, was born in Kingston, Pennsylvania, on March 20, 1938, to Robert B. and Florence (Scott) Litzenberger, Sr.  He passed away on August 18, 2017, at the age of 79.

Robert had a younger brother, Charles, and the family lived in the coal – mining town of Wilkes –Barre, Pennsylvania.  He played football there and graduated from high school in 1955.  During World War II his Dad served in the U.S. Army and was awarded a purple heart.

When he was 13 years old, Robert received the Lord Jesus as his personal Savior, and in the fall of 1955, began his preparations for Christian service.  Robert enrolled in pastoral ministry at Philadelphia College of Bible.  In 1960, Robert completed a year of training for youth ministry, enlisted in the United States Air Force, and married Marcia Gillett of Burr Oak.  In the Air Force, he became an instructor in Aircraft and Missile Electronics at Chanute Air Force Base in Illinois.  Robert and Marcia raised six children.

Robert chose John 3:30 for his life’s verse. “He must increase, but I must decrease.” Christ Liveth in Me was his favorite hymn.

After many years of pastoring, Robert retired from full-time service in 2000.  He and Marcia then moved to Windsor, California, and in 2010 celebrated their fiftieth wedding anniversary.

Robert was preceded in death by both parents and his younger brother – Charles.  He is survived by his loving wife – Marcia of the home; daughter – Rita and husband – Mark Hatfield of Fountain Inn, South Carolina; five sons – Robert B. III and wife - Beth of Brady, Nebraska, George of Sacramento, California, Randy and wife - Stephanie of Clinton, South Carolina, Ron and wife - Lianne of Huntsville, Alabama, and Russell of Windsor, California; 14 grandchildren; 3 great-grandchildren; a host of friends and a large Christian family.

He will be greatly missed by his many friends and relatives.

A celebration of life service for Pastor Robert B. Litzenberger, Jr., was Saturday, August 26, 2017, at 2:00 p.m., at the Grace Baptist Church, Smith Center, Kansas, with Pastor Dave Newbern officiating.  Music was performed by Robert B. Litzenberger, III and Katie Bergen.  Casket bearers were – Russ Litzenberger, Randy Litzenberger, Ron Litzenberger, Robert Litzenberger, III, George Hennion, and Robbie Litzenberger.  Interment was in the Burr Oak Cemetery, Burr Oak, Kansas.  The family suggests memorials to the mission fund of Grace Baptist Church.  Visitation was Friday, August 25, 2017, from 2:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Melby Mortuary, Mankato, Kansas.  The family will greet friends and other family from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., on Friday evening.  Online condolences can be left at www.melbymortuary.com .  Melby Mortuary, Mankato, Kansas was in charge of local arrangements.