Robert Loren Phelps

Robert Loren Phelps, 84, passed away on September 18, 2013. Born in Elk City, OK, he was the son of Robert Paul and Elizabeth Vaughn Phelps. After spending his early years in Oklahoma, the family moved to Lockwood, MO in 1941 and in 1946 they moved to Pittsburg, Kansas where Bob completed high school. While a student at Kansas State Teachers College, Bob served as president of Sigma Tau Gamma Fraternity. He was elected to membership in Epsilon Pi Tau International Honor Society and graduated in 1952 with a Bachelor of Science in Education.

After joining the Navy, Bob became a Naval Aviation Cadet, was appointed an Ensign in the U.S. Navy, and then was designated a Naval Aviator. While serving at Barber’s Point Naval Air Station, Hawaii, Bob was united in marriage to the former Mary Bateman Crossland, July 7, 1956. He was a veteran of the Korean Conflict and Vietnam War. Among Bob’s military decorations are the National Defense Service Medal (1 Star), Vietnam Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Navy Unit, Navy Achievement, Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm.

Following his Navy retirement in 1974, Bob entered the Master’s Program at Old Dominion University and was awarded the Master of Science in Education Degree. He taught Metal Trades at S. H. Clarke Vocational Training Center in Portsmouth, VA where he developed and expanded a highly successful program that encouraged his students to seek outside assignments and jobs. Many former students returned to thank him for the skills, experiences, and guidance they had received from his classes.

Bob devoted a considerable amount of time to the Boy Scouts of America beginning with the organization of a new Cub Scout Pack on the Alameda Naval Air Station to leading a High Adventure Expedition from Virginia to Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico. During those years he served as a Scout Master, Troup Committee Chairman, District Unit Commissioner, Assistant District Commissioner, and chaired a number of activities and committees.

Bob was actively involved with Bayside High School’s Band Parents Association, serving as Vice President and Ways and Means Chairman. During his later years he and Mary traveled extensively throughout the world including four trips to Australia. He was a member of Bayside Baptist Church.

Bob is survived by his wife, Mary, of Virginia Beach; a son, Robert L. Phelps, II and his wife Mary Ann of Cedar Rapids, IA; a daughter, Mary Beth Phelps of Benson, AZ; two granddaughters, Anne and Becky Phelps, both of Cedar Rapids.

A memorial service will be held at 2pm, Saturday, September 28, 2013 at Rosewood Kellum Funeral Home, 601 N. Witchduck Rd, Virginia Beach, VA 23462 with Rev. Dr. Richard Keever officiating. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to the American Heart Association or the National Kidney Foundation. You may send your comforting thoughts to the family at www.kellumfuneralhome.com.