Robert I. Brackett

Robert "Bob" Brackett, 85, a longtime Casa Grande teacher and community volunteer, died peacefully on May 11, 2007 at RTA Hospice House.

The memorial service and life celebration will be at 1 p.m. Sunday at First Presbyterian Church of Casa Grande.

Mr. Brackett was born June 16, 1921, the second of two sons of Florence and Harry Brackett, in Escanaba, Mich. He attended school there and two years at Michigan State College before World War II interrupted his education. He enlisted in the Army and served for three years. He returned to Escanaba but soon enrolled in Greg College in Chicago to study shorthand for court reporting. He accepted a job with Valley County District Court in Glasgow, Mont., where he met and proposed to Marjorie Caffrey. They married the next June in Crosby, N.D., and they shared a devoted marriage for 58 years. They returned to Escanaba, where Mr. Brackett joined his father in his Chevrolet business for seven years.

Upon the death of his father, the business was sold and he returned to school and received a degree in education. A teaching position brought the family to Casa Grande. He taught for many years at Casa Grande Union High School. He also spent countless hours in community service. He was a hospital volunteer, historical society docent, public library board member, a book runner for the Outreach Program and volunteer for 20 years with Desert Valley Care Center, including time as a board member. He was active in the Presbyterian Church and was an elder. He enjoyed traveling with his wife in the United States and abroad. He loved gardening, dancing and extended camping trips with family and friends.

In addition to his wife, survivors include two daughters, Jane Storey and Carolyn Cafiero, and four grandchildren.

Memorial contributions may be made to: Valley Humane Society, P.O. Box 10480, Casa Grande, AZ 85230-0480, or First Presbyterian Church, 702 E. Cottonwood Lane, Casa Grande, AZ 85222.

J. Warren Funeral Services, Cole & Maud The Gardens Chapel is handling arrangements.