Robert L. "Bob" Roan

Born October 22, 1929 and passed away July 19, 2010. Preceded in death by parents Martin and Inez (Rovane) Roan; brother John "Jack" Roan. Survived by wife Marilyn (Ewers) Roan; brother Martin Roan; children Robert "Bobby" Roan Jr (Kristin), Thomas Roan (friend Tonia) and Melissa (Roan) Nayman (Steve). Grandchildren Kelly Roan, Kate'Lyn Roan, Elizabeth Roan, Stephanie Roan, Lance Nayman and Vince Nayman. Graduate of Saint Peters High School, Keokuk, Iowa. Was a four year All-State basketball selection, attended the University of Iowa on a basketball scholarship. Joined the United States Army in 1949 assigned to the 3rd Armored Division baseball squad and signed a professional contract with the Pittsburgh Pirates after being honorably discharged in 1950. Played one season with the Keokuk Kernels at the class D level in the famous Triple I League. After being released began a long career in the food industry beginning with the Sawyer Biscuit Company as a salesman (Sawyer eventually became Supreme Bakers and then Keebler) residing in Warsaw, Indiana. After leaving the Keebler Company he begin a career in the candy business becoming the president of the Jane Garrett Fine Candies Company, St. Paul, Minnesota. Upon leaving Jane Garrett began working for the Fritzie Fresh Candy Company of Newport, Minnesota. After taking FF to national recognition he became Vice President. He left FF to begin a nine year tenure as Vice President for the Goelitz Confectionary Company, North Chicago, Illinois soon making the Jelly Belly gourmet jelly bean a worldwide product. During the Ronald Reagan presidency the Jelly Belly jelly bean became the candy of the White House. A jar of jelly beans was always on the Presidentâ