Robert Eugene Lentz

Mr. Robert “Bob” Eugene Lentz, son of Harry J. Lentz Jr. and Beatrice (Jackson) Lentz entered this world on June 3, 1942, and left for his reward in heaven on February 15, 2025. Bob was born in Indianapolis, Indiana then moved to Glendale, Arizona in 1959 with his parents, three brothers, and three sisters; he attended Glendale High School.

Bob joined his beloved Marine Corps in 1962 (“Once a Marine, always a Marine”) and served aboard the U.S.S. Midway and the U.S.S. Ranger during the early days of the Vietnam War as a Special Radio Operator where he earned the Vietnam Service Medal with two Bronze Stars. In later years he could be found from time to time practicing Morse Code.

Bob’s whole life revolved around God, his family, and his country. He dedicated many hours to his community and his three boys. Bob was heavily involved in the community and loved coaching baseball and soccer. He was most proud of the years spent coaching the “White Sox”. On his last day when asked what he was thinking about, he answered, “Baseball”.

He was a lifetime member of the Marine Corps League, “Old Breed”, Disabled American Veterans, and VFW and spent some time with the Knights of Columbus. For many years, Bob could be found proudly providing comfort to the sick and injured (especially children) at Thunderbird Hospital with his pride and joy Australian Shepard, “Panda”, and his wife, Barbara, and her Border Collie, “Luna”, as certified therapy dog handlers.

With memories of Bob’s love, his smile, and his guidance, he will forever be cherished and missed by his “bride” of almost 58 years, Barbara (Kee), and in the lives of his children: Todd (Alissa), Brian (Mischa), Chad (Renee) and nine grandchildren, Katrina, Zia, Aden, Ava, Vyvyan, Ryanne, Autumn (Sean), Lexi, and Brooke. His extended family: sisters Karen Cooper (Mark) and Theresa Buschbacher (Michael). He was predeceased by brothers, Kenny Scott, Tom, Jerry, and sister, Shirley Maze. Bob also leaves behind many nieces and nephews: Tim (Michele), Matt (Natalie), Jerilynn (Todd), Gregg (Alie), Kim Tallant (Greg), K.C. Scott, Zachary Tegeler, Kate Tegeler, and Kelsey (Jordan) Balint, many great-nephews and great-nieces and great-great nephews and a great-great niece.

A graveside service will be held Thursday, March 6, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at “The National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona”, 2929 E. Pinnacle Peak Rd, Phoenix, Arizona