Robert Leon Whitney

Bob was born on August 11, 1935, in Malone, New York, to Leon and Ruth Whitney. Bob had eleven siblings.

He graduated from Lyon Mountain High School in 1954. Bob enlisted in the U.S. Army following graduation.

Bob met and married the love of his life while he was stationed in Germany. He married Franziska Kieslinner on October 5, 1956. They shared their life with a daughter, Marion Tamara (Tammy).

Bob, Fran, and Tammy traveled with the Army to many Army posts. He was stationed in Germany for three tours, as well as in Alaska, New Jersey, and Ft Hood. Bob served two tours in Vietnam. In 1977, after 22 years of service, Bob retired at the rank of Master Sergeant. After his retirement, Bob had a second career in real estate, and Bob continued to serve as a Lone Flag Bearer at parades, honoring servicemen and women and veterans.

Bob enjoyed spending time with Fran, going to flea markets, and yard sales. He was a collector of antique clocks and could repair any that crossed his path. He loved to bowl, fish, and hunt. He leased his land to local hunters.

Bob was dedicated to his Central Texas Military Community, supporting events that recognized his brothers and sisters in arms, on Memorial Day, Veterans Day, and Independence Day. He actively supported and honored his country. Bob took great pride and solemn vigil as he stood guard at the memorial services of his comrades. Bob was proud to be a member of the Disabled Veterans, Chapter 29, and VFW Post in Harker Heights.

Bob joined First United Methodist Church in Killeen on January 6, 1980. He faithfully attended the early service for 45 years.

Bob was a loving husband, father, and loyal friend to many. He always had a joke to share and could brighten the darkest days with his humor and smile.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents and several siblings. He leaves behind to cherish his memory, his wife of 69 years, Fran, of Harker Heights; a daughter, Tammy Belcher and husband David of Simpsonville, South Carolina; grandchildren Natasha and Robert; great-grandchildren, Natasja, Ripley, River, and Stevie; and great-great-granddaughter, Catalina, as well as a host of friends who loved him dearly.

A visitation will be held at Crawford-Bowers Funeral Home, located at 1615 South Fort Hood Road, Killeen, TX 76542, on December 1, 2025, from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm.

The funeral service will take place at First United Methodist Church in Killeen, located at 3501 E. Elms Rd., Killeen, TX 76542, on December 2, 2025, at 10:00 a.m.

Burial, with full military honors, will follow at Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery, located at 11463 TX-195, Killeen, TX 76542, on December 2, 2025, at 2:00 pm.