Robert Glen Miner

Lt. Col. Robert G. Miner, (United States Air Force, Retired) born August 12,1930, passed from this life to the next on December 14, 2016, at the age of 86 years. A service to honor his life will be held Saturday, December 16, at 3:00 PM, Tyler Memorial Funeral Home, 12053 HWY 64 West, Tyler, and burial following with full military honors.

Bob was born in Big Stone Gap, Virginia , and raised near Bluffton, Indiana, the son of a farmer. He spent his adult life in service to his country. He attended North Dakota State University in the ROTC program, pursuing his dream of becoming a pilot.

He served two tours of duty in Vietnam , flying an F-105 " Thud." He accumulated more than 4000 flight hours in his career. Upon return, he was part of the NATO Alliance with Canada , then moved on to training young pilots as Student Squadron Commander in Del Rio, Texas. He earned the Silver Star for bravery in action, the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Bronze Star and numerous Oak Leaf Clusters.

In spite of the many awards and honors, Bob was a humble man. He always saw and believed the best in people. In 1975 after retirement from the military, he returned to farming. He became an early pioneer in hydroponic greenhouse vegetable production, growing the best cucumbers and tomatoes you've ever eaten.

Following that, he and Ellie moved to Dallas where he was in property management for DalMac companies. In the late 1990's they moved to the East Texas area where his hobbies of woodworking and "fixing anything" filled his time. He told his children to "leave everything better than you found it," and he certainly did. He was a humble patriot, a devoted husband and father, a patient and kind teacher, and a friend to all. Our nation lost a hero; he will be missed.

The family wishes to thank the Watkins Logan State Veterans Home family. Each person there was kind, caring and dedicated to Bob. Words cannot express our love and appreciation of each resident of "K" House for their friendship with Bob these last 9 months: George Martin, Ken Nelson, Robbie and Mary Davis, Joe Hiveley, Rocky Keene, Ed Ellison, Lolo Shamburger, Pat Patterson.

Bob was preceded in death by his beloved wife Ellie earlier this year.

He is survived by his five children, Dr. Leslie Miner, Grapevine, Laurie Breedlove, Tyler, Robert Miner II, Tyler, Alison Miner, Watauga, and Drew Miner, Frisco.

His grandchildren include: Nick Breedlove, Barrett Breedlove, Anna Kathryn Shultz, Madeline Miner, and Jordan Miner.

His great grandchildren are: Luke Breedlove, Kate Breedlove, Noah Breedlove, Ben Breedlove, Heidi Breedlove, Mary Bella Breedlove, Maggie Blythe Breedlove, Claire Shultz and Lovie Kate Shultz.

He leaves behind the beloved spouses and special friends of his children and grandchildren, and the many lives he influenced along the way.

Memorials may include, Watkins Logan State Veteran's Home, 11466 Honor Lane, Tyler, TX 75708, Attn: Donna Huffman (All donations directly benefit the lives of residents here in Tyler, TX) or USO (Supporting service members and their families), USO, Dept. WS., P.O.B. 96860, Washington, D.C., 20090-6860 or the charity of your choice . - See more at: http://obituaries.tylerpaper.com/obituaries/tylerpaper/obituary.aspx?n=robert-glen-miner&pid=183110231#sthash.NzjFtIYF.dpuf