He was born in North Platte, NE on September 14, 1934, to the late John H. and Olive B. Refior. Bob graduated from North Platte High School in 1951.
He married his lifelong love, JoEllen M. Layton, on November 8, 1952. He also enlisted in the Army in 1952.
He served one tour in Korea as an enlisted soldier, and two tours in Vietnam as a Commissioned Officer.
During his military career, he received numerous awards, medals, and commendations including the Bronze Star, Distinguished Flying Cross and two Purple Hearts. He retired after 24 years of service in 1976.
After retiring, he had several jobs before going back to school and earning a total of 5 degrees. He spent several years teaching Electrical Engineering at Colorado Tech. From there he moved on to being a Travel Agent, which enabled him to achieve his heart’s desire of traveling the world.
He is survived by his wife, JoEllen, of 66 years. His 3 surviving children Shirley Anderton, Thomas (Janis) Refior, and Lori (Brian) Losee, and Daughter-in-law Janet Refior, all of Colorado Springs, CO. His oldest sister Dona Herndon, North Platte, NE. His 7 Grandchildren Eric Refior and Duane Refior, Colorado Springs, CO, Dr. Christopher (Chris) Anderton of Richland, WA, Tanya Losee, Evan (Sarah) Losee, Rachael (Chris) Lively, of Colorado Springs, CO, and Sara Anderton, Denton, TX, 8 great grandchildren Clover, Sage, Paige, Tristyn, Draeven, Eryn, Abigail and Elora.
He is preceded in death by his parents John H. and Olive B. Refior, 2 sons, Douglas E. and Richard L. Refior, and youngest sister Joan Jones.