Robert Wayne Niswonger

Ocala, Florida:  Robert Wayne Niswonger, 60 years, 9 months, 18 days, formerly of Jackson, Missouri, passed away Monday, August 23, 2021, in Ocala. Robert lost his courageous battle with cancer, which he had been fighting since December, 2020.

He was born November 5, 1960, in Cape Girardeau, to Dallas and Juanita Criddle Niswonger.

Robert was a 1979 graduate of Jackson High School.  He honorably served 25 years in the U.S. Air Force, retiring in 2005.  He spent his last two years at the Pentagon and after retirement, remained there for ten years as a private contractor.

While serving at Clark Air Force Base in the Philippines, he met the love of his life, Julie Haines of Coshocton, Ohio.  They were married March 12, 1983, at First Baptist Church in Jackson.  They both continued their service in the Air Force.  Three sons were born to their union, David, Geoffrey, and Jared. Julie served honorably for 20 years, retiring in 2000.

They enjoyed their retirement years in Ocala, living close to two of their three sons and several grandchildren.

Loving survivors include his wife of 38 years, Julie Niswonger of Ocala; three sons: David (Iris) Niswonger of Crestview, Florida; Geoffrey (Mira) Niswonger of Gainesville, Virginia; and Jared (Jamie) Niswonger of Ocala, Florida; five grandchildren; his beloved dogs, Sophie, Dexter, and Cooper; two brothers, Lynn (Janie) Niswonger of Ocala and Don (Judy) Niswonger of Jackson; his mother-in-law, Ellen Andrews of Zanesville, Ohio; several nieces and a nephew.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Dallas and Juanita Niswonger of Jackson, Missouri, and his father-in-law, Clarence “Jr.” Haines of Coshocton, Ohio.

Per Robert’s wishes, he will be cremated.  Due to Covid concerns, at a later date, the family will honor him with a private service and military rites.

Memorials may take the form of contributions to a hospice of your choice.

To share an online condolence with the family, click on the tribute wall tab of Robert’s personal obituary page at mccombsfuneralhome.com.

Local notice by McCombs Funeral Home in Jackson.  Please call the funeral home before ordering flowers for the family.