Robert Passons

Graveside services, with full military honors, for Major (Ret.) Robert James Passons, 85, of Temple will be held at 11:00 A.M. Saturday August 18, 2007 at Hillcrest Cemetery. He died in his home surrounded by his wife of 66 years and his 3 children. He fought a very brave and courageous battle with cancer. Mr. Passons was born in Warren County, Tennessee to James Matthew Passons and Essie Austin Passons on March 2, 1922. He moved to Bell County with his family in 1927 and except for time in Military services lived in Bell County. He grew up in the Cedar Creek and Pendleton area of Central Texas. He attended Temple High School, Temple College, Florida State and the Associate Advanced Infantry Officer's School at Fort Benning, Georgia. He served in and retired from the U.S. Army. He was a veteran of World War II and served with Company D and Cannon Company 143rd Infantry 36th Division, and 7th Regiment, 3rd Infantry Division during the Korean War. He participated in the seaborn invasion at Salerno, Italy on September 9, 1943 and the seaborn invasion of southern France on August 15, 1944. He retired from the U.S. Army in 1963 as a Major and from Civil Service at Fort Hood in 1982, with a combined service of 38 years. Mr. Passons received numerous awards and decorations to include the Silver Star, Bronze Star with Cluster, Army Commendation Medal with Cluster, Purple Heart Medal, Good Conduct Medal, European-Africa, Middle East Campaign Medal with Seven Battle Stars and a Bronze Arrowhead, American Defense Medal, Army of Occupation of Germany Medal, World War II Victory Medal, American Campaign Medal, United Nations Service Medal, Korean Service Medal with Three Battle Stars, National Defense Service Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal, Presidential Distinguished Unit Citation with Cluster, Texas Service Medal, Korea War Service Medal and Department of the Army Commanders Award for Civil Service and Combat Infantryman Badge with Star. He served as an instructor at Atlanta Ordnance Automotive School, Regular Army Advisor to the Texas Army National Guard and as U.S. Army advisor to the Turkish Army Armored Forces. He was a life member of the 36th Infantry Division Association, National Officers Association, American Legion Post 133 of Temple. He was also a member of 143rd Infantry Association, 36th Infantry Division Museum Foundation Gallery at Austin and the Railroad Heritage Museum of Temple. Being an avid golfer, his spirit lives on through his children and grandchildren who learned by his example. He played the game of golf like he played the game of life, through determination, calmness and patience. Many hours were spent teaching his children and grandchildren the sport that he enjoyed and so dearly loved. He was also an avid bowler, served as President of the Temple Men's Bowling Association, and enjoyed the many friendships he made at the Temple bowling alley. He married Anita Morris Dec. 20, 1941 and immediately departed for the war. He was at war for 2 years and 8 months and returned home to his loving wife to begin their life together and start their family. Survivors include his wife Anita Passons of Temple; one son Benny R. Passons and his wife Maria of Nevada, Texas; two daughters Donna Janelle Passons and her husband Mike Holmes of Austin, and Marianne Lucas and her husband Wesley of Travis. He is also survived by his five grandchildren, Michelle, Kevin, Laura, Lee, and Matthew and nine great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, three brothers and one sister. Donations may be made in his honor to Scott and White Hospice, Attn: Development Office, 2401 S. 31st, St., 76504 Daddy and Pampoo, we will miss your loving ways, your patience, and your fun loving spirit. You will always be our hero.