Robert Earl Loyle, 91 of Vineland, N.J. Bob died peacefully on January 1, 2016 with his family by his side after a very brief illness. Bob's body was old but his mind was not. He liked to play chess and cards, watch classic movies, read his world almanac and share stories about his amazing adventurous life with his cherished family and friends.

Bob was born on October 26, 1924 to the late Edna Mae (Dawson) and John Loyle in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He left home at the age of sixteen, making his way out to California and finding work with the Ringling Bros. Barnum and Bailey circus. Bob worked as an electrician's assistant, raising the tents and light poles with the elephants and manning the spotlights during shows.

As soon as Bob turned seventeen he headed back east and joined the U.S. Navy. His electrician's experience made him an ideal candidate for the newly formed USN Construction Battalion. In January 1942 Bob shipped out to Bora Bora with 295 of his mates; they were the very first Seabees. His battalion spent part of the war as part of the 22 nd Marines and saw action in the Marshall Islands. He reenlisted in the Navy after the war and subsequently was shipped back out to the South Pacific. He served on the U.S.S. Gunston and took part in Operation Crossroads in the Bikini Atoll.

Once his service in the Navy ended, Bob spent a couple of years working various jobs out west. In 1950 he enlisted in the U.S. Army with the hopes of being assigned to a construction battalion in Europe. His high scores on the entrance aptitude exam however, resulted in his recruitment into the U.S. Army Security Agency. Bob trained in Carlisle, Pennsylvania as a high speed Morse code interceptor. His assignment after training was Clark's Air Force Base in the Philippines; right back to the South Pacific.

After his discharge from the army, Bob lived out west and worked for many years as a Teamsters Union truck driver. He returned to the east coast as he neared retirement age to be close to his large extended family. He spent his time working and playing in the family's bowling center, Loyle Lanes, and trying to avoid sand traps on the golf course.

Bob was a loving father and grandfather. He is survived by his children Robert Loyle, Jr. and Corinne Errickson, grandchildren Nicole Wilson, Brandon Loyle and Noel Errickson, great-grandchildren Lauren and Lucas Wilson; brothers Charles and John, and many nieces, nephews and cousins. Bob's brothers Walter, James, Richard, Frederick and Gilbert predeceased him.

A memorial service for family and friends will be held on January 16, 2016 at 1:00 P.M. at the Buena Vista Country Club in Buena, New Jersey. The family asks if you wish to honor Bob's memory, that you share a meal with one of your elders or an elderly person who may be alone. You could also channel Bob's spirit by having a conversation. Talk with your family, friends or even a complete stranger. Everyone has a story to tell, and you never know when you might hear a great one.

Please visit www.wbfuneralhome.com to share tributes of Bob with his family and friends.

Arrangements are in the care of Wainwright-Bernhardt Funeral Home, Vineland.