He was preceded in death by loving wife Doris and brother Charles. He is survived by sisters Marlene Holmes, Kathleen Wagner and Donna Poulson and three children Robert Lucas, Katherine, and Kristine.
He graduated from MacFarland Grade School class of 1942 and Mackenzie High School class of 1946. In his teens, Robert earned the rank of Eagle Scout in the Boy Scouts of America.
From 1946, Robert served his country as a US Naval Midshipman and aviator and then in the Naval reserves, retiring with the rank of Commander in 1969.
He received a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Lawrence Tech University in 1955. He worked as a professional mechanical engineer and consultant in the Detroit area from the 1950s – 2000s.
Robert had a passion for aircrafts, he completed construction of a Bushby Mustang II airplane in 1979 and flew out of the Canton-Plymouth Mettetal Airport throughout the past decades. He was a long time member of EAA Chapter 113.
Robert was a devoted member of St. John Evangelical Lutheran Church in Detroit, Michigan.
Contributions in his memory are appreciated to St. John Evangelical Lutheran Church, 4950 Oakman Blvd., Detroit, MI 48204.
A memorial gathering for Robert will be held Thursday, January 4, 2024 at 10:00 AM at Harry J Will Funeral Homes, 37000 W. Six Mile Road, Livonia, Michigan 48152, followed by a memorial service at 11:00 AM. He will be laid to rest in Glen Eden Memorial Park.
