Robert John Maguire

Robert “Bob” Maguire, 84, peacefully passed away at his home in Houston, Texas on Monday, September 17, 2018. He is survived by his loving wife of 64 years, Billie Jo, and their four children, Kevin Maguire, Dennis Maguire, Monica Maguire and Mary Maguire Smith; daughters-in-law Tammy Maguire and Dory Maguire; son-in-law Doug Smith; and brothers Frank Maguire and Walter Maguire. He was beloved “Pop-Pop” to his grandchildren Nicole Schwieterman and husband Dale, Jenarae Wion and husband Sean, Allison Maguire, Robert Maguire and great-granddaughters Aubrie, Renna, Hallie, Karsyn, Claire and Whitney. He also leaves behind numerous brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews and cousins in Pennsylvania and Texas.

Bob was born on February 28, 1934 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to John and Frances (Short) Maguire. Bob joined the United States Air Force in 1953, where he was commissioned as a second lieutenant and assigned as a strategic transport navigator at Hickam Air Force Base in Honolulu, Hawaii. In 1957, he was selected for pilot training, graduating as a multi-engine pilot assigned to the 39th Military Air Transport in Dover, Delaware. Bob continued to rise through the ranks as a Captain and then Major, during which time he proudly served in the Vietnam War flying the C-123K in the 834th Air Division. Bob finished his distinguished 21-year Air Force career as a Lieutenant Colonel flying the VC-140B in the 89th Military Airlift Wing as Assistant Deputy Commander of Operations, where he received numerous accolades, including being deemed an honorary pilot in the French Air Force. After retiring to Houston with his family in 1974, Bob flew corporate aircraft and was Director of Aviation and Chief Pilot of Southwest Petrochem Oil Company. After a whirlwind few years flying for Milton Jones, Bob went on to fly for other U.S. companies, with his last assignment as a personal pilot to a Saudi Prince.

Bob retired in 1987 to lead a life of leisure, always planning his and Billie’s next great adventure. Bob loved to travel. His family and friends were recipients of his famous itineraries — if you traveled with him, you knew those itineraries were to be followed to the letter. Bob loved baseball. He volunteered for his brother-in-law Jack Schultea’s Houston Northwest Wildcats baseball team, serving as an enthusiastic play-by-play announcer that enjoyed interacting with the players. Civic duty called in 2006 and he was elected President of the Prestonwood Forest Homeowner’s Association. He served several terms devoting time and energy to improve the subdivision that he called home for over 40 years. He never missed the 4th of July parade and adorned his lawn with Christmas decorations every year for the neighborhood’s renowned Nite of Lites. In his last years, he loved handing out candy canes during the Nite of Lites with his “favorite” son-in-law, Doug. Bob was an avid reader, consuming books at lightning speed, and loved to work crossword puzzles, the harder the better. He loved watching sports. There weren’t many Astros, Oilers or Texans games that were missed over the years — thank you Astros for winning the World Series for Dad!

Our beloved husband, dad, brother and Pop-Pop will forever fly high in our hearts. His quick wit, booming voice and hearty laugh will be dearly missed by all those that knew and loved him.

“May the road rise up to meet you, May the wind be always at your back .May the sun shine warm upon your face, And rains fall soft upon your fields; And, until we meet again, May God hold you in the palm of his hand.” – Irish Blessing