Robert D. Bristol, age 89, of Midland passed away on Thursday, August 21, 2014, at MidMichigan Medical Center in Midland. Bob was born on July 28, 1925, the first of three children born to Ben L. and Bernice J. (Miller) Bristol in Battle Creek, Michigan. Bob graduated from Battle Creek Central High School in 1943 and, after graduation, joined the United States Army Air Force where he served during World War II until his discharge in 1946 and also from the Air Force Reserves in 1957. After his return to Michigan, he married Joyce Ellen Deisch on December 26, 1948, in Three Rivers. Bob then attended Michigan State University and graduated in 1950 with a degree in business and engineering. Bob later moved to Fremont in 1960 when he joined Gerber Products Company until his retirement in 1987 after 27 years as the telecommunication manager. Bob loved his community and was instrumental in bringing the first cable services to the Fremont area. Bob was a member of the First Congregational Church in Fremont and had served as chairman of the Church bus purchasing project and managed the program. He also served as trustee chairman for the Church. Bob is survived by his wife, Joyce E. Bristol; his daughter, Kerry Bristol (Fred Carl) Thomas of Freeland; grandchildren, Gunnar-Wills Bristol Martin, Skye-Kezian Evaleigh (Ethan) Felsing, Kaleigh Rae (Jordan) Johnson, Koltar-Ruark Bristol Martin, Chelsea Paige (Micah) Dingman, Rane-Mariah Gabriel Martin, and Huntar-Teke Samoyyah Martin; and special friends Jim Sloan and Bill Fries. Bob was preceded in death by his daughter, Shelley Leigh Bristol in 2002. Following Bobs wishes cremation has taken place and there will be private services held at a later time. Friends may consider memorial contributions to the American Cancer Society or Michigan State University-College of Human Medicine in memory of Bob. Friends may share memories and condolences online at crandellfh.com.