Robert "Bob" Eugene Will

Bob was born on January 24, 1941, to Harold and Erma Will in Sutton Township, Meigs, Ohio. He was the eldest of five siblings, attended a one-room schoolhouse through 8th grade, fixed cars, and dreamed of flying. After graduating from Meigs High School at 17, he enlisted in the Air Force where he was assigned to veterinary services. Although he was still on the ground, he did get to work with some of the space monkeys, and even took care of the Navy goat, which Air Force cadets had kidnapped before a football game.

While serving in the Air Force, Bob did a tour in Korea from November 1962 through December 1963.

In 1966, he was offered a commission as a Warrant Office in the U.S. Army. From May 1968 through April 1969, Bob served as a Food Service Specialist during his first tour to Vietnam, managing the Mess Halls throughout the country. He was in-country during the Tet Counteroffensive Campaign. After returning, Bob finally got his chance to fly – as a helicopter pilot in the Army. He attended many training schools, and became an expert in all things helicopter, eventually achieving the highest rank possible during his career, CW4. In November 1971, Bob began another tour in Vietnam—this time as a Medevac helicopter pilot. He was an impressive pilot, flying into combat zones with no weapons—quite the “Bad Ass!”. Bob was once shot down and wounded while supporting troops under fire. Although he downplayed being shot, he was awarded a Purple Heart. He returned home in October 1972 and continued his exemplary service until his retirement on March 31, 1982.

Bob met and married Barbara Alyne Murray in 1960 while he was stationed at Brooks Air Force Base in San Antonio. Together, they built a family with four children, living around the United States and in Germany. He enjoyed traveling around Germany to attend his kids’ track and cross country meets. Bob was extremely proud of all his kids. After their children were grown, Bob and Barbara enjoyed traveling the country in their RV. A highlight of Bob’s life was a caravan RV trip to Alaska…he even got the T-shirt.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents, Harold and Erma Will, and his siblings, James Will, Patricia Kline, Paul Will, and Junior Will. One of Bob’s life goals was to live as long as his father, who died at 84. Bob was 84 years and 4 days old when he passed.

Bob is survived by his wife, Barbara, and his children Randall Will and Carolyn Grim, Sandra and Steven Solomon, Ronald and Irene Will, and Kimberly Will. He was grandpa to Alex, Ashlee, Sarah and Junie, Noah and Phoebe, Zachary and Kristin, Seth and Emily, Abigail, and Hannah. He was also a great grandpa to Avery and Mia.