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Robert (Bob) L. Sands Col. (Ret) USAF, 79, passed away peacefully in his sleep at the family home in Albuquerque on September 30, 2001 while holding his wife's hand. He was happily married to his wife, Eddie for 58 years. In addition to his wife, he is survived by a loving daughter, Kathy McCorkle and husband, Bob; sons, Pat Sands, Jesse Sands and wife, Gloria, all of Albuquerque, Bobby Sands and wife, Kathy of Bernardo, NM, Billy Sands and wife, Elizabeth of El Vado, NM; grandchildren, Jessica Sands of Albuquerque, Valerie, Marly, Gary and Toni Sands, all of Bernardo, NM, Kodi Sands of El Vado, NM, Billie Jo Sands of Albuquerque and Helana of Kansas City; two great-grandchildren; brothers, Dick Sands and wife, Darlene, Marvin Sands and wife, Mary Ida; brother-in-law, Babe Coombs and wife, Gloria of Albuquerque; and many friends and relatives. He was preceded in death by his parents, Mr. & Mrs. Jesse Sands; and his brother, Marion. The Colonel's hobbies were hunting, fishing, water skiing and he was an avid golfer. Colonel Sands was a veteran of WWII where he served as an instructor pilot in B-17s. During the Korean War he flew F-86s, shot down three MIGs and had three probables. Between wars he was a member of the NM Air National Guard, serving as an instructor pilot and Base Detachment Commander until his retirement in March of 1978. He helped and flew in the production of the movie Skyjack in 1970 with his 150th Fighter Squadron's F-100s painted with the red Russian Star to portray MIGs. During his flying career he flew trainers, P-40s, P-51s, F-80s, F-100s and A-7s. He lived a full life and lived life to the fullest. Memorial services will be held Thursday, 3:30 p.m., at French Mortuary, University Blvd. Chapel, 1111 University Blvd. NE, with Chaplain Col. Lemuel M. Boyles, U.S.A.F. (Ret.) officiating.
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