Robert James "Bob" Zinn, 82, of Columbus, Kansas died Tuesday (2-17-2004) at his home in Columbus.

Mr. Zinn was born November 19, 1921 at Lamar, Missouri. The son of John Everett and Veona Temple (Endsley) Zinn. He loved to travel. He worked as an operator at the Baxter Springs Railroad for 13 years and the the Frisco (Springfield Division) for 40 years and he worked for Burlington Nothern Railroad for 2 and a half years.

He served in the U.S. Army receiving the Bronze Star in WW II at the Battle of Phillipines & Luzon, serving in the Railroad Battalion #749. His highest grade was 1st Sgt.

Memberships include United Methodist Church in Columbus, Kansas and 749th Railway Veterans Club, the American Legion of Columbus, Ks., the VFW of Columbus, Ks. and he was a 32nd Degree Mason — Knight Templar, Cryptic Mason and Royal Arch Mason, receiving his 50 year pin.

He married Genoa Madeline Keepper on March 13, 1948 in Carthage, Missouri.

He is survived by daughter Martha Ann Flanagan and Charles P. Flanagan of Columbus, Ks. and granddaughter Shannon Lee Flanagan Justice and her husband Jay Lynn Justice of Chetopa, Kansas and daughter Linda Katherine Palmer and Jerry Ray Palmer of Camedon Point, Missouri and grandson Clayton Drew Parker and granddaughter Tessia Page Parker both of Yukon, Oklahoma.

He was peceded in death by his younger brother Joe William Zinn who died at the age of 6.

According to Mr Zinn's wishes, his body has been cremated. The family will receive friends from 5-7 p.m. Thursday (February 19, 2004) at Martha and Pat Flanagan's house, 104 SW. Messer Rd., Columbus, Kansas. Memorial graveside rites will be 10 a.m. Friday (February 20, 2004) at the Fasken Cemetery In Rural Carthage, Missouri. With Richard Glasgow, lay pastor officiating. Arrangements by the Simpson Funeral Home 323 S. Kansas, Columbus, Kansas.