Robert L. Weston

March 8, 1919-March 22, 2012

Bob Weston was born in Jericho, Long Island, N.Y., and resided in Atwater, CA as an honored military veteran until his passing at age 93. Bob departed this earth with peace within, where he left for his final assignment to the Lord who was awaiting his arrival with open arms.

He was raised and worked on the family farm in Long Island throughout his early years. Following graduation from Sewanhaka High School, he worked at various jobs including the Rhue Printing Co. and the Pullman Co. of New York. He was also employed in a family business, the Louis P. Anziano Corp., which specialized in plumbing, heating and air conditioning.

Bob enlisted in the U.S. Army Corps during WWII and received his “Wings” and commission as a 2nd Lt. in January 1944. Bob began his military career as a pilot in the Berlin Airlift. He served his country in 21 locations including continental U.S., North Africa, Europe, the South Pacific, Thailand, and Alaska. He served as a bomber and tanker pilot as well as in operational and command positions in later years. Bob’s various assignments included: Staff Operations Officer HQ 15th Air Force, Squadron Operations & Commander 924th & 93rd Air Fueling Squadrons, Asst. Deputy Commander 93rd Bomb Wing at Castle AFB. Bob also organized the Friends and Neighbors Day at Castle AFB for the community which featured the USAF Thunderbirds precision flying team and the Army Golden Knights Parachute Team.

Following his tour at Castle AFB he served as Assistant Deputy Commander of Operations 4258th Bomb Wing and Commander Detachment I, Takhli Royal Thai AFB, Thailand during the Vietnam War.

Following his return to the U.S. he served as Director of Safety 4th Strategic Aerospace Division, Chief of Supply 804th Combat Support Group, and finally as Interim Commander 804th Combat Support Group at Grand Forks AFB N.D. from which he retired at Rank of Colonel July 1, 1972.

In his career he amassed over 8,000 flying hours and was a command pilot, flying 10 different aircraft including trainers, the B-17, B-29, C-54, KB-29, KC-97, and KC-135---the last being jet-powered. He was also the recipient of 14 awards and decorations, including the Bronze Star, Victorious Service Medal, the Medal for Human Action, American Defense Service Medal, Asia Pacific Campaign Medal, and World War II Victory Medal.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents Henry and Estelle, his brother Henry, Sister Marie, former wife Kay and granddaughter Amy.

He is survived by son Stuart Weston and his family Kristy, Rebecca, Josh and Dejaie of Merced, CA, son Alan Weston of Fresno, CA, Rick Weston and family Kris, Aaron of Scottsdale, AZ and Erica of Marina Del Rey, CA, daughter Patty Ferrell and her family Jeff, Kyle and Madison of Bend, Oregon and sister Gloria Wiltsee of Sacramento, CA.

A memorial Service will be held at The Merced Elks Lodge at 3:00 P.M. in Merced, CA on Wednesday, April 4, 2012. Interment will be at San Joaquin Memorial Cemetery in Santa Nella, CA on Thursday, April 5, 2012 at 2:00 P.M.

Funeral arrangements by Stratford Evans Merced Funeral Home.