Obituary of Robert L. Broyles

Robert L. Broyles (89) former Mayor and resident of St. Maries, died Dec. 19, 2015 at Hospice House of North Idaho. He was born May 25, 1926 at Rosalia,WA Bob lived between Rosalia and Moscow, ID before being orphaned at age 10. He was briefly raised by a step-mother before hitch hiking to St. Maries to live with his uncle Bud Lewis. Bob graduated from St. Maries High School with the class of 1944. He immediately enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Corps. Bob served in Okinawa as a gunner on bombers. He achieved the rank of Staff Sergeant and was honorably discharged in 1946 Bob returned to St. Maries after his discharge and went into business with Bud Lewis operating Blue Ribbon Creamery. Bob married Alyce Smith on August 22, 1948 at St. Maries. After spending 7 years with the creamery, Bob purchased Enterprise Laundry and operated it for 10 years. Bob was elected Mayor of St. Maries in 1957 and served until 1959. In 1962, Bob went to work for Investors Diversified Services (IDS) as a financial advisor. Bob and Alyce moved to Lakeside, Montana in the 1980’s to live on Flathead Lake. In 1994, IDS was purchased by American Express Corp. and Bob retired. Bob and Alyce enjoyed traveling in their retirement. They made annual trips to Europe to visit and travel with their son Jimmy who was teaching overseas. Bob and Alyce moved to Coeur d’ Alene, ID in 1996 to be closer to follow their grandchildrens sporting events. They never missed a game. Bob returned to St. Maries in 2012 and purchased a home next to their original house they were living in when daughter Leslee was born. He mentioned that he had come full circle at that point in his life. Bob’s wife Alyce died in June of 2013 and that September he moved to Garden Plaza in Post Falls, ID. Bob was a member of the Comm. Presbyterian Church. He was a Past Commander and 70 year member of American Legion Post # 25 of St. Maries. He was the longest living standing member (69) years of the St. Maries Elks Lodge. Bob is survived by his son Jim Broyles and his daughter and son-in-law Leslee and Kim Adams all of St. Maries and 2 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren. No services are being planned by his family at his request. His final resting place will be next to his wife at Woodlawn Cemetery, St. Maries, ID. The family suggests memorials to either Hospice of North Idaho 9493 N. Govt. Way, Hayden, ID 83835 or St. Maries Elk’s Lodge Memorial Fund 628 Main St., St. Maries, ID 83861 Visit his online memorial and sign his guest book at www.hodgefuneralhome.com