Robert "Bob" R. Essington Sr.'s Obituary
Robert Essington Sr. was born on May 28, 1945, in the small town of Wausau, Wisconsin, to the late Arthur Essington Jr. and Josephine Stroker Essington. He was the husband of the late Judith Vanetta Essington. He grew up in Racine, Ohio and graduated from Southern Coral High School in 1963. After high school,
Bob ventured to Madison, Wisconsin, where he attended University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and received his Bachelor of Science Degree in 1967. He then attended Georgia Southern University in Statesboro, Georgia and received his Master of Public Administration Degree in 1975.
In January 1965, Bob met Judith Essington, and they married on June 24, 1967. During their nearly 58 years of marriage, Bob served in the United States Army where he served two tours in Vietnam. He was also stationed at Fort Gordon, GA; Baltimore, MD; Elroy, WI; Dayton, OH; and Sierra Vista, AZ. During his service to our country he was able to receive the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. In addition, to his service in the Army, he served 35 years in the U.S. Department of State where he was stationed overseas in Islamabad, Pakistan; Beirut, Lebanon; Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates; and Pretoria, South Africa before returning to Sterling, Virginia.
Bob was a caring and loving son, father, grandfather, and husband. He was a devoted member of the Sterling United Methodist Church for over 25 years. Bob passed away unexpectedly on June 6, 2025, at Reston Hospital, Reston, Virginia.
He is survived by his son, Robert Ray Essington, Jr, daughter, Renee Essington; daughter-in-law, Jennifer; his grandchildren, Robbie, Jocelyn, Dule, and Tanner, and Summer (Robbie’s fiancé) and his great grandchild, Eleanora. Bob was predeceased by his daughter, Carmen, and his late wife, Judy Essington.
A service to celebrate the life of Bob and Judy will be at 11:00 AM on Saturday July 5, 2025, at Sterling United Methodist Church located at 304 E. Church Road Sterling, 20164. A reception will follow the service at the church. In lieu of flowers, friends from Southern Coral High School, Racine, Ohio, and others are invited to send contributions to Sterling United Methodist Church. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.loudounfuneralchapel.com.
Bob’s kindness, love, and dedication to his family, the church, and the community will be deeply missed.
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