Robert (Bob) A. Hampton

Robert (Bob) A. Hampton, of Othello, passed away at his home surrounded by his family on Saturday, March 28, 2009.

Bob was born the first day of winter, 1945, joining his twin sister, Robin, parents R.A. (Bud) and Naomi Hampton, and brother Lyle and sister Lynda. Later the family was joined by sisters Sandi, Gayle, Pam and brother Alex (Buddy).

The family farmed in Tekoa, Wash., until the end of 1958, when they moved to Othello to farm/ranch in early 1959 after the death of his grandmother Bess Hampton.

Bob’s family lived out on Crab Creek, where they had many happy adventures. Bob graduated from Othello High School in 1964. He attended the University of Washington, where he was studying medicine. He later attended Wenatchee Valley College, returning home on weekends to help with the family farm/ranch.

In June 1969, Bob married Sharon Magoteaux and in 1971, Veronica was born, followed by Erica in 1974, with the marriage ending in 1977.

The first day of spring in 1980, Bob married Carla Schaeffer and they had three children, Robert (Bobby), Blake and Bekki.

Bob was a member of the Othello Rodeo Association and helped with the start of Miss Rodeo Washington. He also helped build the grandstand and numerous other projects at the rodeo and fairgrounds. He was past worthy president 1972–1973 of the Fraternal Order of Eagles, and a board member of Bess Hampton Memorial Gardens for many years.

In 1972, Bob was challenged that he wouldn’t make it a year as a police officer by his brother-in-law. Bob took the challenge, shaved his beard and started as patrolman for the Othello Police Department, which had five officers. Bob attended the Washington Law Enforcement Academy 107th Session, Advanced Law Enforcement, Mid-Management and numerous other schools throughout his career. In 1976, he became sergeant and was promoted to lieutenant in 1980. He was acting chief multiple times. Today the department has 17 officers. He molded the department into what it is today and turned his law enforcement legacy over to his son, Blake, who proudly stepped up the challenge in 2007 when he became an Othello police officer.

After 36 years of service to the fine citizens of Othello, Bob retired in April of 2008, after a successful battle with cancer. He enjoyed the early days of his retirement, gardening, reading, doing Sudokus (especially the letter ones before his daughter Bekki would even know there was one in the paper), cooking his famous ribs and beans, leather crafting, etc. Bob also enjoyed taking Bobby to work with his trusty dog at his side. Bob was looking forward to working on his many vehicles and finishing some of his other projects.

Bob loved to tell jokes from morning to night, with his quick wit – he was the life of the party. Bob cared about everyone and had many people that he checked on daily to make sure they were OK.

In February, Bob found that the cancer had returned and he was starting the same battle again, which he bravely fought until the day he died.

Bob is survived by his wife, Carla Hampton of Othello, sons Bobby Hampton of Othello, Blake and Casie Hampton of Othello, and daughters Bekki Hampton of Othello, Veronica and Gabe Long of Antioch, Tenn., and Erica Hampton of Las Vegas, Nev., grandsons Brett Hampton and Kalen Long, his mother Naomi Hampton of Othello, sisters, Lynda Bowers of Othello, Sandi and Roy Dodge of Othello, Gayle and Kyle Smith of Lakewood, Wash., and Pam Hampton of University Place, Wash., and brother Alex (Buddy) Hampton of Othello.

Visitation will be held on Friday from 2 p.m. until 7 p.m. at Scharbach’s Columbia Funeral Chapel, located at Third and G Street Southeast, Quincy. A second visitation will be at the Nazarene Church of Othello Gathering Center, located at 825 E. Ash, Othello, on Saturday, from 9 a.m. until 10:30 a.m., with funeral services to follow at 11 a.m. Concluding services and interment will follow at Bess Hampton Memorial Gardens.

The family suggests that in lieu of flowers memorials be made to the Cancer Society.

You may sign the guest book or leave a note to the family at www.scharbachs.com.

Scharbach’s Columbia Funeral Chapel in Quincy (509-787-2223) is in charge of arrangements.