Robert Niswonger

OCALA, Fla. -- Robert Wayne Niswonger, 60 years, 9 months and 18 days old, formerly of Jackson, passed away Monday, Aug. 23, 2021, in Ocala. Robert lost his courageous battle with cancer, which he had been fighting since December 2020.

He was born Nov. 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 10 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.

Robert Niswonger

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; 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; and several nieces and a nephew.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Dallas and Juanita Niswonger of Jackson, and his father-in-law, Clarence "Junior" Haines of Coshocton.

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

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

Local notice was provided by McCombs Funeral Home in Jackson.

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