Farewell Bob Felker - 36th Combat Engineer

[Walt's Daughter]

It is with regret, that I post the passing of my friend, Bob Felker, 36th Combat Engineer.

 

I got to know Bob and meet with him for the past several years at the reunions in PA. It was a real honor to be his friend.

 

I am posting a note from his daughter Lorraine. The apple didn't fall far from the tree, for she was just as wonderful as her father. Lorraine and I also got to be friends, and shared many laughs and stories about her dad and the "boys" from the 36th.

 

Rest in peace my friend. You shall be truly missed.

 

Hello All,

 

I wanted to let you know that Bob passed away this morning. As you all know, he had slowly but steadily declined over the last 6 years as his congestive heart failure progressed. He began hospice care in early April, but still had many days where he could walk (with a walker) & was fairly alert; best of all, his sense of humor never deserted him. From last Wed thru Sun, he declined noticeable each day, and by early Sun eve he was in bed. I was with him from noon on Sun until last evening, and Barrett was with him from yesterday afternoon until he passed away this morning. The hospice staff were wonderful & kept him comfortable throughout.

 

At his request, Bob is being cremated & will be buried with our mother, Libby, in Roanoke, Virginia. The family will gather there in a couple of weeks for a memorial service.

 

Though we will miss him greatly, we are thankful that he had 96 good years & was spared any suffering at the end. He was grateful for his many friends, especially his "army buddies".

 

I look forward to seeing many of you in Lebanon.

 

Fondly,

Lorraine

 

The picture below was taken at last year's reunion. Here is Bob sitting next to Colin. We were having an absolutely wonderful time outside on a beautiful Saturday afternoon. It will be a memory which will linger for a long time.

 

The second photo is of Bob holding his silver star!

 

The third photo shows his daughter Lorraine. Also pictured are Carl and Tony.

 

The final picture in this series - Bob and Lorraine at our formal dinner

[colinhotham]

I'll add my thoughts to that Marion. He was a very special person and I like to say friend. I'm honoured that you thought to put up a picture of Bob and myself on this tribute.

I have written to Lorraine who also became a friend over the three reunions I attended.

RIP Bob we all owe you so much.

 

Colin.

[CaptO]

Marion, I am sad to hear of Bob's passing. I only met him the once, but I could tell he was a great man and I was glad to have the opportunity. I know he will be very missed.

[Walt's Daughter]

Wow, what a coincidence. Craig Singhouse (the one who supervised the convoy), just posted on FB and mentioned about having Bob in his jeep, so mere seconds ago I just posted that same photo. Talk about eerie!!!

 

Glad you got to meet him too. The world will be a little sadder place without him.

 

Each year he would pull me aside and say, "This is my last one. I am not coming next year." And sure enough, there he'd be.

[Walt's Daughter]

Always liked this one of him and his daughter.

 

Here's the whole gang outside the hotel that same year.

[Walt's Daughter]

Boy, am I going to miss this. This breaks my heart....

[Walt's Daughter]

From Captain John Fallon, moments after he discovered the news.

 

I just received a phone call from Lorraine Hudok telling me that her father, Bob Felker died the morning. Bob was one of our stalwarts at the reunions and will be terribly missed. He was a great representative of the great Seahorse Regiment. May he rest in peace.