Dr. Robert E. Fromm, Sr., USAF Lt. Colonel, age 91, of Henderson, NV, passed away peacefully with family members by his side early morning, Thursday, April 13, 2023, following long hard battles with congestive heart failure and cancer.
Bob, a West Point Academy graduate and career Air Force Officer, was also a Professor of Education and Administration. He is remembered by his military cohorts, friends and family for his commitment to “Duty, Honor, Country” as well as his devotion to his students and pride in their subsequent adult life successes. He will be missed and remembered by the many whose lives he touched.
Born October 16, 1931, in Topeka, KS, to the late Rev. Dr. Emanuel Fromm and Dora Lee (Zernickow) Fromm, Bob married his high school sweetheart, Beulah Lee (Nyhart) Fromm, on the United States Military Academy graduation day in the Cadet Chapel, after which they embarked on a 20-year career in the Air Force. Bob successfully completed multi-engine aircraft training and initially spent 3 years as an Air Force Instructor Pilot, followed by a period of time installing missile systems which took him and his growing family from Cape Canaveral, FL, to Kadena AFB, Okinawa, Japan. Subsequently, Robert returned to the cockpit at Lackland, AFB, TX, as a squadron commander and later served as Exec for the Basic School. The C-130 was his next assignment, at Clark AFB, Philippines, where he flew over 400 combat support missions before losing an aircraft at Loc Ninh, Vietnam (1968). Bob was then selected as commander of the 6200th Services Squadron. Returning to the U.S., Bob received his final military assignment as Professor of Aerospace Studies, University of St. Thomas, Minneapolis, MN. Retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel, Bob was honored with a number of military awards and decorations for his service including a Bronze Star for Valor (BSMv), an Air Medal (AM), 2 Meritorious Service Medals (MSM), and a Commendation Medal (CM).
After military retirement, Bob entered the field of Education and also devoted much of his time to his local city/community. He was a classroom teacher, Department Head, High School Principal, and Superintendent of Schools. In addition, he was a member of the Vocational Advisory Council, the Economic Development Council, President of the Principal’s Association, President of the Superintendent’s Association, Congregation President of his church, and a Public Works Commissioner, where he was also recognized by the city for his service. Bob also established adult evening courses in aircraft construction, taught FAA Ground School, and was a charter Member of the Experimental Aircraft Association.
After retiring and following the death of his first wife, Bee, (MS, educator, State of Washington¹s Home Economics Teacher of the Year 1986) Bob met the widow of a fellow USAF retiree, Nancy Logan (Gasho-Fromm). Nancy is a School Principal and active member of Junior League of Las Vegas, NV. They married and established a home in Sun City Anthem. Nancy has served in a number of positions with Junior League including the Past President. Bob’s second wife of 16 years, Nancy retired in 2009 after more than 40 years in Education.
Bob and his first wife, Beulah Lee (Nyhart) Fromm, have 4 children: Cynthia Lee (Fromm) Wood, Tempe AZ, Dr. Robert E. Fromm, Jr., Scottsdale AZ, Ronald William Fromm, Duvall WA, and Carol Lynn (Fromm) Campbell, Lincoln WA.
Dr. Robert E. Fromm, Sr., is survived by his second wife Nancy (Logan) Gasho-Fromm, Henderson, NV, sister Donna Jeane (Fromm) Gray, Kansas City, KS, and preceded in death by his brother Dr. Arthur Howard Fromm, Wichita, KS, and grandson, Robert E. Fromm III, Scottsdale, AZ. Bob was very proud of his growing family which consists of grandchildren: Christopher Wood, Russell and Ricky Fromm, Alex and Austin Fromm, Lauren, Erin & Brian Campbell; step-grandchildren: Rachel Dixon & Jacklyn Walter; great-grandchildren: Cooper Fromm; and step-great-grandchildren: Tatum, Payson & Hayden Walter, and Sarayah Dixon.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in Robert's memory may be made to West Point Superintendent's Annual Fund,
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.palmeastern.com for the Fromm family.
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