John Robert “Bob” Mangum Jr. was born in Nampa, Idaho on February 7, 1941 to Dr. John Robert Mangum and Lois Eunice Eichenberger Mangum. He passed away at home on March 31, 2021 of natural causes. He was preceded in death by his parents.
Bob spent the majority of his life in Nampa, Idaho with a few early years in St. Louis, Missouri while his father completed medical training. Bob attended Roosevelt Elementary School, College High School, and Northwest Nazarene College, where he obtained a degree in math and science. Among the many occupations Bob faithfully performed throughout his life, he shared his passion for learning over 15 years teaching fourth and fifth grade in the Caldwell School District. Bob ultimately retired in 2006. Bob had an inquisitive mind and his tremendous interest in learning inspired many hobbies throughout his life. He was an avid reader and played the coronet. He participated in Boys Scouts Of America, achieving the rank of Life Scout. Amateur radio was his foremost hobby from an early age, and he enjoyed contacting and communicating with other HAM radio operators around the world under the call letters W7WDD. Bob was a lifelong member of Nampa First Church of the Nazarene and a devoted student of the Bible. He taught Sunday School, served in Bus Ministry and Day Camp, assisted worship services as a sound technician, and was often ready to share a prayer or scripture with those around him. Bob’s faith and love for Jesus motivated his connection with others, and he will be remembered by many for his encouraging presence and kind spirit.
Bob is survived by his wife of 60 years, Karen Belzer Mangum; Sons, Jeffrey (Sandra) Mangum, Vancouver, Washington; Kelly Mangum, Nampa and Bruce (Daniel) Mangum, Palm Desert, California; three grandchildren, Jessica (Brandon) McCuistion, Battle Ground, Washington; Kelsie (Joseph) Coray, Modesto, California and Dr. Ryan (Marisa) Mangum, Vancouver, Washington; five great-grandchildren; two sisters, Patricia (Gerald) Van Order and Mary (Dan) Braudrick, all of Nampa; his brother, David (Pam) Mangum, Nampa and many nieces and nephews.
Bob’s celebration of life will be held Sunday May 2, 2021 3pm at Nampa First Church of the Nazarene, 601 16th Ave. So., Nampa, ID 83651. Condolences may be shared at www.nampafuneralhome.com and memorial contributions may be given to American Bible Society at www.americanbible.org.
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