Robert F. Beltz

Lt. Col USAF (Retired)

September 9, 1925-April 14, 2012

Bob was born in Toledo, OH to Elsie (Stohon) and Fred Blitz.

He served in the U.S. Navy during WWII. He then attended the University of Toledo and graduated in 1949 with a B.A. degree in Business Administration. He was commissioned a 2Lt. in the U.S. Air Force where he had a distinguished 21yr. career. He was an instructor Navigator/Bombardier on the B-47 and B52 aircraft, stationed throughout the U.S. and Japan. He retired at Castle A.F.B. in Atwater in 1970. Upon his retirement, he worked as an appraiser for the County of Merced and Ewing Associates. He was a member of the Corvet Club; the Merced Horseman Association; the American Legion; the Retired Officers Association; the Castle Air Museum; MOAA; and the Elks.

He was preceded in death by his loving wife Barbara in 2006 and sister Thelma.

Bob is survived by his sister, Patricia Arman of Toledo; daughter, Brenda Charters; grandchildren, Brandon Charters, Barbie (Ian) Hanneman; great children, Evan, Nick, and Noel; daughter, Robin (Tim) of Sparks, NV; son, Fred (Leslie) Beltz; grandchildren, Alli (Liz) Beltz, Brian (Brenda) Beltz, Justin (Becky) Beltz, and Meghann Beltz; son, Robert A. (Andrea) Beltz; and granddaughter, Lauren.

A private interment was held with military honors on April 26th, 2012 at the San Joaquin Valley National Cemetery, Gustine, CA.

A celebration of life will take place Saturday, May 5, 2012 at 4:00 P.M. at St. Paul Lutheran Church, 2916 N. McKee Rd, Merced with Pastor A. Lange presiding.

The family wishes to thank all the wonderful caregivers who helped our father these past several years and especially to Trudi Chambliss and his friends at Comfort Keepers in Merced.

In lieu of flowers the family is requesting donations be made to St. Paul, 2916 N. McKee Rd., Merced, CA 95340; SPCA, PO Box 929, Merced, CA 95340; or charity of your choice.

Arrangements are under the direction of Stratford Evans Merced Funeral Home.