Nita Bob Warner

Nita Bob Warner, age 92, passed away on December 4, 2008 in Seminole, Florida of complications following a stroke. She was born in 1916 in Hoxie, Arkansas. Her sister, Merle Warner Burrow, preceded her in death in February 1996. Nita Bob attended public school in Walnut Ridge, Arkansas and graduated from high school at the age of 15. She received a BA degree from Hendrix College AR in 1936 and a MS degree from LSU the following year. In June of 1943, after completing training at Mt. Holyoake College, she traveled to Camp LeJeune, NC where she was commissioned as a second lieutenant in only the second class of woman to graduate as marines. This was the beginning of her remarkable journey into the world of the Woman Marines. Nita Bob's assignments were varied during her 24 year career including: Motor Transport Officer at El Toro during WWII; college recruiter stationed in Boston; head of officer training in Quantico; and Adjutant and Recruiter at Hdq. USMC in D.C. Nita Bob's favorite duty station was Naples, Italy where she was the Administrative Assistant and Secretary to the Commander-in-Chief of Allied Forces Southern Europe. Here she received top secret messages around the clock, hand delivering them in sealed envelopes to the Admiral's villa outside Naples. The benefits of this position were many and she lived for over two years in the city overlooking the Bay of Naples. She accompanied the Admiral and his wife on their barge in the Mediterranean as they frequently entertained. She met Kings, Queens and other dignitaries traveling with the Admiral and his wife throughout most of Europe. She once said her biggest thrill was swimming into the Blue Grotto in Capri, Italy. Her home was full of mementos of her exciting career. After retiring as Lt. Col. In 1966, Nita Bob continued her dedication to the Women Marines while residing in Florida. She served as national president of the Women Marines Association from 1976-78. She also founded the state branch of the Association in her home state of Arkansas. Nita Bob was truly on of The Few, The Proud, The Marines. She once stated in an interview that she would like to be remembered as a very, proud individual for having been selected for duty in the best branch of the service. Also, she would like to think she had done a good job for the Marine Corps as well as her country. She was preceded in death by her sister, Merle Burrow, of Madeira Beach in 1996. Survivors include a niece, Betsy Kline, of CA; two grandnieces Robyn Voshardt of NYC and Amanda Theodore of CO and her children Alexis and Michael Theodore. Visitation will be Dec. 13 at 3:00PM with a service at 4:30PM at Anderson-McQueen Tyrone Chapel, 347-6636. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to the Women Marines Scholarship Fund at P.O. 8405, Falls Church, VA 22041-8405. Anderson-McQueen Funeral Home, 7820 - 38th Ave. N., St. Petersburg, FL 33704.