Robert C. Truax

Robert Charles Truax, Commander, Ret, USN, was born on Thursday, October 15, 1936 to Clair and Muriel (Whitcomb) Truax in Rochester, Minnesota and died peacefully on Sunday, September 1, 2013 in Homosassa Springs, Florida.

‘Bob’ has been an inspiration to his family and friends during his life and was proud of his many military and civic accomplishments. He attended Rochester High School and then enlisted in the Minnesota National Guard in 1953, attaining the rank of Sergeant. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1959, was later commissioned as an officer and completed training as a Naval Aviator, receiving his wings in Corpus Christi, TX in 1959.

Bob married Patricia Clark in 1960 in Jacksonville, FL and embarked on his career as a Naval Aviator in Pensacola, FL. He was later stationed at the Bureau of Naval Personnel in Arlington, VA and later in Long Beach, CA. He completed missions between 1966 and 1968 in the South China Sea, aboard the carrier USS Kearsarge, air-traffic control officer. He flew P-2V5-F’s and P-3 Orions for VP-16, VP-11. After his service during the Vietnam War, Bob served at various naval stations including Brunswick, Newport and Keflavik, Iceland and final duty station in Washington, D.C., was honorably discharged in 1979. Subsequent to his naval service, Bob held civilian positions with Information Spectrum, Inc. in the D.C. area before retiring and moving to Inverness, Florida in 1996. During his military career, Bob received a Bachelors degree from the University of R.I. and a Master’s degree from Providence College in R.I.

In retirement, Bob was an active community leader. Past President POA for Greenbrier II, 3rd Degree member of the Knights of Columbus, Substitute teacher for Citrus County and Past President MOAA, an active member of the American Legion and the Naval Aviator’s Association.

Bob and Patricia enjoyed a full life, raising two children while serving and traveling with the U.S. Navy. Heidi (Truax) Radam, born in Jacksonville, FL in 1962 and Alan Scott Truax, born in Orlando, FL in 1963. Heidi and Bob Radam reside in Virginia Beach, VA, ‘Scott’ and Kathy Truax reside in Front Royal, VA. Additionally, Bob is survived by grandchildren Robert ‘Happ’ Radam, Walter Radam, Katie Anna Radam, Hanna Claire Truax and Holden Gower Truax; brothers, David and Joseph (Minneapolis) and sisters, Evie (Michael) Showalter of Shawnee, KS and Mary (David) Michenfelder of St. Charles, MN and dear friend, Jan Torppa, Hernando, FL.

Words will scarcely describe the impact Bob has had on the lives of his family, friends and associates. He was universally known for his compassion and willingness to help in difficult circumstances. He had an ability to get involved, solve problems in a diplomatic way and volunteer his time whenever he could. He was devoted to his family and never missed an opportunity to unite with his immediate and extended relatives and also, his past squadron members. He will be missed.

There will be a Memorial Service of Remembrance with Military Honors honoring Bob’s life at Fero Funeral Home, 5955 N. Lecanto Highway, Beverly Hills, Florida 34465 at 11:00 AM, Thursday, September 5, 2013. Bob will later be inurned at Arlington National Cemetery on a date to be announced.

Memorial contributions may be made in Bob’s memory to the American Lung Association, 1301 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, Suite 800, Washington, D.C. 20004.

Arrangements entrusted to

Fero Funeral Home

www.ferofuneralhome.com