Bob was born to Joseph and Mary Skrapka in Harrah, Oklahoma. After the loss of his Mother and the struggles of the Great Dust Bowl, Bobs Father moved the young Bob and his brother and three sisters to Chicago, where he grew up. He left school in the 8th grade to help support his family during hard times. Bob never returned to formal school, but learned many varied skills including print press operator. Bob joined the Army in 1951 and served during the Korean War. He was stationed in Greenland and worked for logistics operations. He joined the Army Reserves after his discharge from the Army in 1953. Bob then returned to Chicago, where he worked a myriad of jobs from parcel delivery to mechanic to restaurant manager. Eventually, Bob returned to the Printing and Graphic Arts field that he loved so much.

On the Labor Day weekend of 1962, Bob move to Lutz. He and a friend from Chicago had decided to open a print shop in the area. Over the years, Magnetic Check Printers had several locations and Bob became the sole owner. He remained a printer until 1987. Also during that time, Bob became involved with the Lutz Volunteer Fire Department, later known as Hillsborough County Fire Station #24. He volunteered his time serving the community as a firefighter and eventually rose to the position of Assistant Chief. He continued to serve the community through his involvement in Hillsborough County Volunteer Fire Chiefs Association where he served as President.

In 1987, Bob married Donna. In 1989 they moved to Zephyrhills were they owned and operated a small citrus grove. Following Donnas death in 2001, Bob moved to Betmar Acres in Zephyrhills and joined Masonic Lodge #198. Bob rose to serve as Master of the Lodge in 2005. He continued to serve as a Past Master until his health limited his activities in 2017. During most of his adult life Bob was an avid golfer, even achieving a hole-in-one. It was a sport he held dear in his heart. Bob was an amazing man and an inspiration to many people. He truly loved to help others. He taught us to be kind, to believe in ourselves, and to not take life so seriously. His delightful sense of humor will be sorely missed. Bob was a wonderful father, a beloved grandfather, and a faithful friend.

Bob was preceded in death by his wife Donna Skrapka, daughter Patty Flood and his four siblings. He is survived by daughter Victoria French, son Ed Davis, daughter-in-law Linda Davis; grandchildren Danielle Clyatt, Eddie Davis, Kelsey Flood, Lauren DaCunha, Seth "Sage" Collins, Jacob Linares, Zachary Flood, and Liam Van Orden; three Great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

We will miss you China Clipper!

Visitation

First United Methodist Church of Zephyrhills

Friday, October 11, 2019 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM Zephyrhills, Florida Directions Funeral Service

First United Methodist Church of Zephyrhills

Saturday, October 12, 2019 11:00 AM 38645 5th Avenue Zephyrhills, FL 33542 Directions Graveside Service

Florida National Cemetery

Monday, October 14, 2019 11:00 AM 6502 SW 102nd Avenue Bushnell, Florida 33513 Directions