Col. Robert “Bob” E. Blauw, USAF, ret., 92, formerly of Pinehurst, peacefully flew into the wild blue yonder to join his beloved Toody on Veterans Day, Monday, Nov. 12, 2012.
A memorial service will be held for them at Arlington National Cemetery at a later date.
Bob was born Dec. 3, 1919, in Kansas City, Mo., the only child of Harry and Eva Blauw. He attended Pembroke Country Day School in Kansas City and the University of Missouri in Columbia, where he met his Toody. He was a member of Beta Theta Pi Fraternity. He graduated from flying school on Dec. 12, 1941 and married Toody the same day. They were married for more than 70 years.
He proudly served his country for more than 30 years. He flew 50 combat missions in Europe and North Africa in B-17s as commander of the “Wabash Cannonball.” In 1944 he flew 13 combat missions in B-29s out of Tinian Island in the Pacific theater. He completed his combat tour and entered reserve status in 1946. He was called to active duty during the Korean War in 1952 and spent 10 years flying B-47s.
As a longtime member of Strategic Air Command, he served in many command and staff positions. He was honored to command three bomber wings. During his last command he completed 41 sorties flying B-52s during two combat tours in the Vietnam War. As a command pilot he flew more than 6,000 hours in combat during his military career. In 1970 he was selected to be the director of security police for the Air Force.
Col. Blauw’s military decorations include the Legion of Merit, Distinguished Flying Cross with one Oak Leaf Cluster, Bronze Star, Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal with 16 Oak Leaf Clusters and Air Force Commendation Medal. He retired from the Air Force in 1974 and moved to Pinehurst to relax, play golf and enjoy the country club life.
Wanting to do more, he launched a second career in real estate in 1975 with Gouger, O’Neal and Saunders in their Southern Pines office. He became a certified residential specialist and graduate of Realtors Institute. He worked for 28 years, leaving in 2002 at 84 years of age. Prudential Gouger O’Neal & Saunders today annually awards the Robert E. Blauw Award to honor and recognize a sales associate who has exhibited characteristics of integrity, dedication and valuable service to the company and the community.
As successful as he was in his professional endeavors, he was even more so in his personal life. He was a wonderful and loving son, husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He was one of those people that everyone simply liked. He smiled a lot and listened a lot. He gave everyone respect and dignity. He was generous with his time and his money and his caring. He rarely complained. He was dashing and debonair, a clothes horse, and always a true gentleman and appreciative of the kindness of others. He had a wonderful wit and humor that really shined. He really was a truly great guy.
He is survived by his son, retired Lt. Col. Craig Blauw, USAF, and wife, Linda, of Alachua, Fla.; daughter, Carol Schofield and husband, Richard, of Concord; daughter, Jane Blauw, of Tucson, Ariz.; grandson, Lt. Col. Russell Blauw, USMC, and wife, Jennifer, of Arlington, Va.; granddaughter, Dr. Casady Blauw Gaines and husband, Dr. Greg Gaines, of Gainesville, Fla.; granddaughter, Sara Schofield, of Concord; and great-grandchildren, Emma, Jack and Grace Gaines, and Elizabeth and Mathew Blauw.
We are grateful to Visiting Angels of Charlotte, Hospice and Palliative Care of Cabarrus County, and the private caregivers that tended to his needs.
Online condolences may be made at www.wilkinsonfuneralhome.com.
Wilkinson Funeral Home is handling arrangements for the Blauw family
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Obituary for Robert E. Blauw
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