Robert Wendell Shively Jr.

Robert Wendell Shively, 95, died peacefully and surrounded by his loved ones, on 9 July at his family home in Phoenix. Known as Bob to his friends, he was born in Huntington, WV, 21 July 1924, to Robert Wendell (Sr.) and Mary Jane (Bickel) Shively. Immediately following High School Graduation in 1942, Bob fulfilled his childhood dream by joining the Army as a Flying Cadet. After graduation from primary flight school, Bob was selected to fly fighters. During WWII, Bob was assigned to the 15th Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron where he flew 77 combat missions in his P-51 Mustang. After the war, Bob attended the University of Cincinnati where he received his Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology. Recalled to active duty for the Korean War, Bob flew a variety of aircraft and ultimately completed his flying days as a command pilot having flown Steerman’s to B-52. After leaving flying status, Bob spent the remainder of his Air Force career as an intelligence officer. He attended the American University in Beirut, Lebanon, where he studied Arabic. Bob retired from the United States Air Force as a Lt. Col in 1970 and began a new career as a primary school teacher in the Kyrene School District where he taught for six years.

Bob was preceded in death by his wife of 62 years, Dorothy Ann Shively. He is survived by her sons Steven Shively and wife Mary Beth of Colorado Springs, Colorado; Jeffrey Shively and wife Leticia of San Carlos, Mexico; and daughter Patricia Dutton and husband Greg of Chandler, Arizona. Bob is survived by four grandchildren and three great grandchildren. Bob will be interned with his wife at the National Memorial Cemetery once military honors at the cemetery are resumed.