Robert Earl Mossey

Robert Earl Mossey passed away on November 23, 2024. Bob was born May 30, 1923 in Cohoes, New York. He is survived by his wife, Lee Ann, a sister Lorraine Keis and a multitude of nieces, nephews and their families.

Bob grew up in a faith-centered, loving family that formed the foundation of his life’s journey of faith, service, and adventure. His strong faith moved him to attend the Mount Saint Mary’s Seminary in Emmitsburg, Maryland and he was ordained on May 22, 1948. Soon after he was called to service and he joined the United States Air Force on March 23, 1953. For twenty-six years he served as a Chaplain in assignments that took him throughout the world and into several war zones. He served in Okinawa, Turkey, Japan, Libya, Viet Nam and a number of stateside posts. During that time he received numerous awards and decorations including the Legion of Merit Award, the Bronze Star, the Meritorious Service Award, the Air Force Commendation Medal with two Oak Leaf Clusters, the Vietnam Medal of Honor-First Class, and the joint Service Commendation Medal. He was promoted to the rank of Colonel in June 26, 1971.

Upon his retirement from the Air Force on January 31,1979 he began a new chapter of faith, service and adventure. He was active in the community, for many years, as Chaplain for the Inn at Garden Plaza and the Pikes Peak Chapter of the Military Officers Association of America, also as Administrator of the Villas at Southgate, a residence for low-income seniors, all while officating at numerous funerals and weddings. He was a life member of the Disabled American Veterans, the Knights of Columbus, the American Legion, and past-president of the Pikes Peak Sertoma/Pikes Peak Club. He also continued with his active life of biking and skiing and skiied with his Monument ski group unitl he was ninety-five. During his retirement, he met and married his wife, Lee Ann Mjelde in January, 1984. Together they traveled the world and lived, for a time, in Hong Kong.

During Bob’s last years, he focused on friendships and his faith. To meet Bob was to become his friend. His special gifts of warmth, caring and humor drew others to him. There was also one last honor. In September, 2023 Bob joined the Southern Colorado Honor Flight that honors veterans of WWII, Korea, and Viet Nam. At one-hundred- years-young, he traveled to Washington, D.C. and was honored for his service to his country.

A Memorial Mass will be held at St. Patrick’s Church, 6455 Brook Park Drive, Colorado Springs, CO 80918, Friday January 10, 2025 at 10am.