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MATHIS -- Robert L. Mathis Maj USAF (Retired) 89, passed away on April 21, 2010. Bob was born February 11, 1921 in Wichita, Kansas. He grew up in Douglas, KS and after graduating from high school joined the Army Air Corps in 1939. He was assigned to the 17th Bomb Group at March Field, CA. From there he went to pilot school at Muskogee Base in Brady, TX and then to advanced twin engine training at Ellington Field, TX, graduating in April 1942 as a Staff Sgt Pilot. Bob was sent to Kirtland Field, NM to fly the B-18 bomber and then the AT-11 which was a new aircraft. It was there he met Helen Roberta Yeck and they were married in March 1943. He then went for training in the B-26 bomber also known as the "Widow Maker". While waiting for his overseas assignment he became the personal pilot for Col Daniel Cooper, the base commander at Randolph Field, TX. In August 1945, the war was ending and his overseas assignment was cancelled. During the Korean War he flew combat cargo missions. He also flew the American Ambassador, John Muccio to all the bases in Korea and Japan. He was a Base Flight Maintenance Officer, test pilot and instrument check pilot. Bob had attained his senior pilot rating and green instrument card which was the highest you could get. After many more tours of duty in the States, Germany, Japan, and Turkey Bob retired from the Air Force in December of 1959 and returned with his family to Albuquerque. He was the personnel manager for ACF Industries for many years, worked at Ed Black's Chevrolet and UNM North Golf Course. Bob was preceded in death by his wife of 55 years, Roberta. He is survived by his son, Robert Kent Mathis and wife Sara Jane Mathis; daughters, Mary Lynn Mathis and Michelle Harrigan; nine grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. As per his wishes he wanted no service and has been cremated. The family wishes to thank the staffs of Ambercare Hospice and Preferred Assisted Living Vista Sandia for the wonderful and compassionate care he was given. Because of his love for his grand dogs, rescued racing greyhounds, memorials may be made to Greyhound Companions of New Mexico (GCNM) P.O. Box 22053 Albuquerque, NM 87154-20. Those who wish to send condolences may do so at www.danielsfuneral.com. Robert's care has bees entrusted to: Daniels Family Funeral Services 7601 Wyoming Blvd. NE Albuquerque, NM 87109 (505) 821-0010
        Published on: Sun May 02, 2010