Msgt. Robert Art Usaf (Ret.)

MSgt Robert (Bob) M. Art USAF (Ret.), 73, of Abilene, TX passed away Monday, January 3, 2022, in Abilene, TX.

A graveside service will be held Tuesday, January 11, 2022, at 2:00 PM at the Texas State Veterans Cemetery at Abilene. He will be led in procession by the Patriot Guard of Abilene from Elmwood Funeral Home at 1:35 PM to the cemetery. Big Country One Flight will fly the missing man formation followed by the rendering of Military Honors.

Bob was born on August 16, 1948, in Wellsville, NY to the late Robert J Art and Grace T Witter. He was a graduate from Wellsville High School and worked for Ingersoll-Rand as a machinist.

In 1968, Bob enlisted in the U.S. Air Force and served as a Loadmaster. His enlistment took him to Vietnam from 1969 to 1972. He was also stationed in Naha Okinawa Japan, CCK Thailand, Clark Air Force Base, Ubon and Utapao Philippines and numerous temporary assignments throughout Europe. His service was distinguished with many awards including The Meritorious Service Medal, 8 Air Medals, and The Distinguished Flying Cross 3 times. Bob retired from the Air Force at Dyess Air Force Base, Abilene, TX in March of 1988.

Upon his retirement, Bob went to work for Lockheed Martin at Dyess Air Force Base as a C-130 Flight Simulator Instructor and retired after 23 years. He was a licensed pilot and a life member of the VFW Post 6873, Abilene, TX and American Legion Post 57, Abilene, TX. Bob was a member of the Loyal Order of Moose Lodge 601, Wellsville, NY. He was a former member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, U.S. Parachute Association, Aircraft Owners, Pilots Association and Fellowship of Eagles. Bob loved fishing, golfing, playing pool and hanging out with friends. Later in life, he loved to travel.  If he wasn’t home, he was on a cruise.  His friends at the VFW Lodge remember Bob as, “Smart, Intelligent and a lot of fun to hang out with”. Bob was the current Judge Advocate and was responsible for flags raised, lowered, their condition and display status. He took care of these flags for over 27 years, and in his words “Tell them, it was one of the things I was most proud of.”  He dearly loved his family and friends, but animals held a special place in Bob’s heart, especially his furry companion “Mr. Peabody” who will be in attendance at his daddy’s service. Bob requested, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Taylor Jones County Humane Society, the link to their site is listed on his obituary page located at www.elmwoodfuneral.com.

Bob is survived by his children, Nicole Comeaux, Robert Art, and Edward Art; grandchildren, Madeline, Ava, Ashton, Victoria, Elijah, Amelia, and Jacob; siblings, Roseanne Ketchner and husband Mike, Mary Kay Artlip and husband Danny; his beloved fur baby, Mr. Peabody.

The family wishes to express their grateful appreciation for the care and love shown to Bob by his nurse Rachel from Hendrick Medical Center South, she truly went above and beyond. A special thank you to Joe and Big Country Veterinary Clinic for their wonderful care of Mr. Peabody while our dad was in the hospital. Lastly and certainly not least a sincere thank you to Julio and his dear friends at the VFW Post 6873 and American Legion for their support and care during his battle with cancer.