BANE, Robert Stafford

March 29, 1935 ~ January 17, 2016

“Travelling the road of life creates many memories…memories that live forever in the minds and hearts of those whose lives were touched during the journey. And when the journey on earth is completed, we find peace in the belief that a new and better journey begins.”

Robert Stafford Bane, “Bob” died peacefully on Sunday, January 17, 2016 at the home he built, surrounded by his family, after a courageous fight with Parkinson’s disease. He was born March 29, 1935 in Bland County, Virginia, the son of Robert Asa and Hazel Bane. After graduation from Bland High School as Valedictorian in 1951, he joined his father in the operation and management of the 5th generation family farm located on Skydusky Road in Bland County. In 1958, Bob joined the US Army where he was stationed in Columbia, SC, Ft. Marmouth, NJ, Red Stone Arsenal, Huntsville, AL, and Wiesbaden Air Force Base, Wiesbaden, Germany, where his primary duty was working on the NIKE Missile. Upon returning home, he was a member of the US Army Reserves for four years. He rejoined his father in the management and operation of the family farm where they raised Hereford Cattle and Suffolk Sheep. Bob was a lifelong member of the Presbyterian Church, first as a member of the Bland Presbyterian Church at Crandon, VA and, after the closing, a member of the Bland-Leyburn Presbyterian Church at Bland where he served as an Elder and Clerk of the Session for 35 years. In High School, Bob was a member of the FFA, serving as a State Officer, and earned the American Farmer Degree. After High School, he served as President of the Virginia Young Farmers Organization, President of the Bland County Farm Bureau, a member of the Bland County School Board for six years, and as a Director of the Bland County Fair Association for many years. Bob’s favorite sport was baseball, and he cheered for the Boston Red Socks, his favorite team. He grew up following his favorite player, Ted Williams. One of Bob’s biggest pleasures was watching his daughter, Sandy, and her husband Doug, continuing the family farming operation and loving the land as much as he did. In later life, Bob added llamas to his farming operation where he bred and trained these wonderful creatures. He provided llama treks on his farm with picnic lunches and helped people celebrate anniversaries, birthdays, and other special occasions by going on llama hikes to High Rock, the second highest peak in Bland County. He valued the many new friendships made in the llama community, especially his good friend Randall Huddle of Rural Retreat. Bob is survived by his wife of 55 years, Carolyn Bird Bane, his children David Campbell and wife Becky, Robert Allen, Charles Edward and wife Lisa, and Sandra Lynn and husband Doug Eastep. Grandchildren, Eden, Brent, Erica, Ansley, Tyler, and Katie. Three great grandchildren. A sister, Lucy McDonald Bane, New Hill, NC, and Barbara B. Nichols, Richmond, VA, four nieces and nephews. Funeral Services will be conducted at the Bland-Leyburn Presbyterian Church, Main Street, Bland, by the Rev. Howard Finkel on Thursday, January 21, 2016 at 2 p.m., with burial at the Temple Hill Cemetery to follow. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations in Bob’s memory be made to the Bland-Leyburn Presbyterian Church in care of Kim Goins, 40 Main Street, Bland, VA, 24315. The family would like to extend their gratitude to the wonderful caregivers at Circle Home Health Care and Southwest Virginia Hospice. The Bane family is in the care of A. Vest & Sons Funeral Home, White Gate, avestandsons.com, (540) 921-2985.