Robert Bob Joseph Parr

Infantry Colonel, US Army

Robert Joseph Parr, 89, died May 24 at Bethesda Naval Hospital from congestive heart failure.

Though born in Norfolk, NE, he moved as an infant to Los Angeles and considered himself a native. He attended UCLA for three years before leaving, as elected senior class president, to accept appointment to the US Military Academy, graduating from West Point in 1945. Assigned to Germany, he met the love of his life, WAC Capt. Genee Mrok, who resigned to become his wife. During his 30-year career as an infantry officer, assignments included Korea and Viet Nam, as well as postings across the US. His favorite was teaching military history at West Point, and he remained a passionate student of history to the end. He earned his MPA from GW while stationed at the Pentagon, then completed his military career in Germany once again. He worked for 10 years at CSC before retiring to an active schedule of community volunteering which included his church and the local hospital and school. His favorite activities involved working with his West Point classmates, and his greatest pride was directing the Memorial Day decoration of Class of '45 graves at Arlington National Cemetery for twenty years. He was a fisherman, and he was a family man.

His beloved wife of 59 years died in 2008. Survivors include a brother, Edward, of Whidby Island WA, daughters Cynthia Parr (David Wire) of Annandale VA, Barbara Parr of Alexandria VA, and Roberta Parr (Curtis Ratliff) of Berryville VA and grandchildren Cassandra and Bryan Wire and Matthew Parr. Friends may call at the Demaine Funeral home, 5308 Backlick Road, Springfield 1-3 or 6-8 pm on Tues May 31. A funeral mass and inurnment will be held at Arlington National Cemetery at a later date. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Fisher House Foundation in Rockville, MD.

Arrangements under the direction of Demaine Funeral Home, Springfield, VA.