Robert was born to Fred and Mildred Cessna, October 9, 1926 in Johnstown, PA. He grew up in Johnstown and graduated from Richland Township High School in 1945. After high school, he was accepted into the Air Force Aviation Cadet Program, completed advanced training on turret systems in Denver, CO, and was stationed in the Philippines when World War II ended. After his honorable discharge, he followed his call into ministry and enrolled at Bob Jones University in Greenville, SC in 1947, studying to enter the pastorate. He graduated in 1951 and was ordained the same year. He preached on weekends while working at Bethlehem Steel in Johnstown as a chemical engineer during the week, until he accepted his first full-time pastoral position in 1957. He faithfully served the Lord as a pastor for 58 years until his retirement in 2009, when he moved to Enid, OK to be near family.
While enrolled at Bob Jones University, Robert married Ruth Glessner on August 29, 1948 in Johnstown, PA. Ruth served alongside Robert, diligently handling numerous church roles including choir director, pianist, and Sunday school teacher. Robert and Ruth were happily married for 63 years, until her passing in 2012.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his beloved wife Ruth.
Those left to cherish his memory are three children, Cheryl Burtoft and husband John of Warsaw, IN, Marsha Juliano and husband Len of Enid, OK, and Carlton Cessna and wife Laurie of Gurnee, IL; six grandchildren, Johnny Burtoft, Joe Burtoft, Lenny Juliano, Jennifer (Juliano) Whitsitt, Michael Juliano and Nathaniel Cessna; one great grandchild, Liam Juliano; one brother, Richard Cessna; and many extended family members, friends, and loved ones.
While enrolled at Bob Jones University, Robert married Ruth Glessner on August 29, 1948 in Johnstown, PA. Ruth served alongside Robert, diligently handling numerous church roles including choir director, pianist, and Sunday school teacher. Robert and Ruth were happily married for 63 years, until her passing in 2012.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his beloved wife Ruth.
Those left to cherish his memory are three children, Cheryl Burtoft and husband John of Warsaw, IN, Marsha Juliano and husband Len of Enid, OK, and Carlton Cessna and wife Laurie of Gurnee, IL; six grandchildren, Johnny Burtoft, Joe Burtoft, Lenny Juliano, Jennifer (Juliano) Whitsitt, Michael Juliano and Nathaniel Cessna; one great grandchild, Liam Juliano; one brother, Richard Cessna; and many extended family members, friends, and loved ones.
Robert was born to Fred and Mildred Cessna, October 9, 1926 in Johnstown, PA. He grew up in Johnstown and graduated from Richland Township High School in 1945. After high school, he was accepted into the Air Force Aviation Cadet Program, completed advanced training on turret systems in Denver, CO, and was stationed in the Philippines when World War II ended. After his honorable discharge, he followed his call into ministry and enrolled at Bob Jones University in Greenville, SC in 1947, studying to enter the pastorate. He graduated in 1951 and was ordained the same year. He preached on weekends while working at Bethlehem Steel in Johnstown as a chemical engineer during the week, until he accepted his first full-time pastoral position in 1957. He faithfully served the Lord as a pastor for 58 years until his retirement in 2009, when he moved to Enid, OK to be near family.
While enrolled at Bob Jones University, Robert married Ruth Glessner on August 29, 1948 in Johnstown, PA. Ruth served alongside Robert, diligently handling numerous church roles including choir director, pianist, and Sunday school teacher. Robert and Ruth were happily married for 63 years, until her passing in 2012.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his beloved wife Ruth.
Those left to cherish his memory are three children, Cheryl Burtoft and husband John of Warsaw, IN, Marsha Juliano and husband Len of Enid, OK, and Carlton Cessna and wife Laurie of Gurnee, IL; six grandchildren, Johnny Burtoft, Joe Burtoft, Lenny Juliano, Jennifer (Juliano) Whitsitt, Michael Juliano and Nathaniel Cessna; one great grandchild, Liam Juliano; one brother, Richard Cessna; and many extended family members, friends, and loved ones.
While enrolled at Bob Jones University, Robert married Ruth Glessner on August 29, 1948 in Johnstown, PA. Ruth served alongside Robert, diligently handling numerous church roles including choir director, pianist, and Sunday school teacher. Robert and Ruth were happily married for 63 years, until her passing in 2012.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his beloved wife Ruth.
Those left to cherish his memory are three children, Cheryl Burtoft and husband John of Warsaw, IN, Marsha Juliano and husband Len of Enid, OK, and Carlton Cessna and wife Laurie of Gurnee, IL; six grandchildren, Johnny Burtoft, Joe Burtoft, Lenny Juliano, Jennifer (Juliano) Whitsitt, Michael Juliano and Nathaniel Cessna; one great grandchild, Liam Juliano; one brother, Richard Cessna; and many extended family members, friends, and loved ones.
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