Charles Robiou Bisbee III

Col. Charles “Charlie” Robiou Bisbee III, PhD, a decorated U.S. Air Force officer and pioneer in aerospace and biomedical engineering, passed away on May 7, 2025, at the age of 76 after a courageous 5½-year battle with lung cancer. He was born on August 16, 1948, in Jacksonville, Florida, and died peacefully in Henderson, Nevada, surrounded by his loving wife and children. Charlie’s passing marks the end of a remarkable life devoted to family, country, innovation, and adventure.

Charlie demonstrated exceptional intelligence and aptitude from an early age. Following his graduation from Jesuit High School in Tampa, Fl, he was accepted into the U.S. Air Force Academy and graduated in 1970 with a B.S. in Electrical Engineering. As a top cadet, he earned a prestigious Hertz Fellowship for graduate study, which supported his pursuit of a Master of Science in Electrical Engineering at Stanford University. While serving as a U.S. Air Force pilot, Charlie continued his education earning his Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering from Auburn University in 1986. His passion for learning and technology would lay the groundwork for a distinguished career bridging the frontiers of aerospace and biomedical science.

In the U.S. Air Force, Charlie quickly gained recognition as both an outstanding pilot and gifted engineer – “A good Ace.” As a fighter pilot turned test pilot, he flew and evaluated a wide range of aircraft, earning a reputation for fearless skill and technical precision. His favorite aircraft to fly were those with no or limited autopilot – “the most fun,” he would say, “because they required the most skill.” The mix of fearless skill and fun as a motivator proved to be the source of both many reprimands and many great stories.

On February 1, 1994, he assumed command of the 412th Operations Group at Edwards Air Force Base, part of the famed 412th Test Wing which serves as the primary test wing for the U.S. Air Force. While leading the group, Charlie remained an active test pilot and oversaw the execution of developmental flight testing of advanced aircraft and their systems. Charlie’s leadership and expertise were pivotal during this time; he not only pushed the boundaries of flight testing but also mentored the next generation of Air Force pilots and engineers. By the late 1990s, he was serving as the second-in-command at Edwards Air Force Base, managing the base’s day-to-day operations and even supporting Space Shuttle landings on its vast dry lakebed. His extraordinary 27 years of military service are reflected by numerous honors and a legacy of duty and leadership.

After retiring from active duty in 1997, Charlie applied his talents to biomedical engineering, helping to lead the development of advanced prosthetic limbs to improve the lives of amputees. He served in senior technical roles at pioneering prosthetics companies such as Össur and Freedom Innovations, where he spearheaded and co-created of one of the world’s most advanced microprocessor-controlled prosthetic knees for which he co-holds two U.S. patents. Colleagues credit Charlie with a genius for blending mechanics and electronics in prosthetics to achieve revolutionary improvements for amputees. His work gave wounded veterans and amputees greater mobility and hope, truly extending his legacy of service beyond the cockpit to the rehabilitation clinic. Charlie remained at the cutting edge of technology throughout his second career, and he was revered in the industry for his vision, leadership, and the compassionate mission driving his innovations.

Though his professional accomplishments were extraordinary, Charlie was above all a devoted family man. After completing pilot training and graduate school, he was asked to rank his next assignment. In honor of fallen classmates, he listed Vietnam as his top choice. Days before his departure, a peace treaty was signed, and he was granted his second choice - Bitburg Air Base in Germany. It was there that he met and married the great love of his life, Dayna P. Bisbee (Davis). Together, they shared 50 extraordinary years of marriage. Their love story is one to be admired, remembered, and emulated.

Charlie was a devoted and incredible father to their 5 children instilling in them the values of integrity, curiosity, and kindness. He was also a proud and doting grandfather to 8 grandchildren. His family remembers him not just as their hero, but as a husband, father, and grandfather whose wisdom, humor, and warmth shaped their lives immeasurably.

At home, Charlie was known for his warm smile, sharp wit, and enormously generous heart. A lifelong adventurer and lover of nature, he was an accomplished pilot, engineer, inventor, racecar driver, sailor, outdoorsman, horseman, woodworker, artist, chef, and tinkerer. He delighted in telling stories from his amazing life, teaching (he knew something about everything!), and preparing family meals inspired by the latest techniques and recipes learned on YouTube. He could always be counted on to bring laughter, encouragement, and his iconic rendition of Chantilly Lace to any gathering.

Charlie’s humility stood in contrast to his many accolades, and he remained a mentor, friend, and inspiration to all who knew him. He leaves behind a legacy not only of innovation and service but of kindness, integrity, and the unwavering belief in lifting others up.

Col. Charles R. “Charlie” Bisbee III truly lived and loved. He is survived by his beloved wife, Dayna; their children Joseph “Joe”, Charles IV “Robi,” Chinae, Patrice, and Raleigh; and his grandchildren Samuel, Alison, Brayden, Charlie, Lucas, Robert, Haisley, and Declan. He is also survived by his siblings Ann, Estelle, Michael, and John. He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles Robiou Jr. and Elizabeth Roberts Bisbee, and by his brother, Anatole Joseph “Joe” Bisbee.

Though Charlie has flown his final flight, his spirit soars on—in the lives he touched, the innovations he shaped, and the love he gave so freely. His legacy is one of brilliance, humility, and profound humanity. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.