Robert “Bob” Traub, 75, devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, friend, and serviceman, was received into the Kingdom of Heaven Sunday, August 7. Bob fought a short battle with rectal cancer, which never broke his spirit, faith, and will to live out each day to the fullest. He was a man of few words: stoic in nature, strong in stature, and sentimental at heart. His quick wit could make anyone smile, and his intelligence awed many who heard him speak. But it was his selfless spirit and loving generosity to his family, community, and countrymen that made him a courageous wonder and a valiant American hero.
Bob is preceded in death by his father, Richard A. Traub; his mother, Fern Christie; his wife, Juanita G. Traub; and his son, Patrick R. Traub. Left to cherish his memory is his daughter, Robin J. Traub; daughter-in-law, Torie Keller; granddaughter, Marley E. Traub; sisters, Joanne (Donald) James and Marilyn Teverbaugh as well as brother and sister-in-laws: Mario (Anna) Zamarripa, Arturo Zamarripa, Elvia Salinas, Robert (Gloria) Zamarripa, Edmundo (Terry) Zamarripa, and Alfredo Zamarripa. Bob also has 17 nephews and nieces, 27 great nephews and nieces, and 2 great-great nephews; all of whom he loved dearly like his own.
Bob was born January 20, 1947 in Denver, Colorado. He attended the University of North Colorado in 1966, but enlisted in the Army in 1968. He began flight training school at Fort Wolters, Texas and completed his instruction at Fort Rucker, Alabama, graduating in the Class 69-17. Serving two tours in Vietnam, Bob rose to the rank of Chief Warrant Officer II, flying Huey helicopter air ambulances for the 283rd Medical Detachment. His piloting experience helped saved the lives of many wounded soldiers in the jungles of Pleiku, Vietnam when the call for Dust Off 69 (“Dedicated Unhesitating Service to Our Fighting Forces”) was radioed in. “Above the Best”, Bob witnessed images and experienced events “so that others may live” for the duty of his Country.
Bob continued to serve in the Peace Corps living in countries within Africa, Europe, and Asia and was honorably discharged as a decorated veteran. He moved back to Colorado briefly, before settling in the Rio Grande Valley in 1977. Bob worked various construction and sales jobs throughout his life, volunteered at the Harlingen Literacy Center, and was a member of the American Legion and VFW (Veterans of Foreign Wars). But it was his stories, knowledge, and positive attitude that made him a bold and beautiful presence to be around. His love for all of God’s creatures and his goal to be an instrument of peace made him truly special, rightfully respected, and honorably admired.
A memorial service to honor his life will be held at Mont Meta Memorial Park in San Benito on Saturday, August 27 at 9 a.m. The program will include war memorabilia collected throughout his life, music and prayer, and eulogies from the many lives he touched. A burial of his ashes will follow along with full Military Honor.
We love and miss you very much, Bob. We celebrate you today, tomorrow, and until we are reunited with you in Heaven forever. “Everyone dies on a universal scale; the time is a minor variable.”
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