Robert C. Beyer Jr.

Brigadier General Robert C. Beyer Jr., aka "Gramps", age 83, of Tampa, Fla., passed away peacefully on August 22, 2015, with his wife and brother by his side. Bob was born on March 27, 1932 in Dallas, Texas to Robert and Edna Beyer. Impassioned by love for his country, Bob earned an appointment at the elite United States Military Academy, in West Point, N.Y. Following graduation, Bob joined the United States Air Force where he began fighter-pilot training and embarked on an extraordinary 30-year military career. In May of 1968, Bob served as flight commander to the 390th Tactical Fighter Squadron in Vietnam, completing 207 combat missions during his tour. Bob subsequently served as an action officer in the Directorate of Operations, Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff; chairman of the Defense Branch, Strategic Operations Division, Directorate of Operations of the Organization of the Joint Chiefs of Staff; and director of operations and vice commander for the 58th Tactical Fighter Training Wing at Luke Air Force Base. In March of 1979, Bob took command of the 8th Tactical Fighter Wing at the Kunsan Air Base in South Korea, and was later appointed inspector general for the Pacific Air Forces. In August of 1982, Bob was promoted to Brigadier General. Bob's awards and military decorations include Legion of Merit, Distinguished Flying Cross with oak leaf cluster, Meritorious Service Medal with oak leaf cluster, Air Medal with 13 oak leaf clusters, Joint Service Commendation Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal, Army Commendation Medal, and Air Force Outstanding Unit Award ribbon with "V" device and oak cluster. Bob's grandson, Joseph has now embarked on his own military career, following in his grandfather's footsteps by earning an appointment at the United States Military Academy in West Point, N.Y. In August of 2014, Bob proudly "marched back" with his grandson, and all of the other new cadets, to celebrate the end of basic training and the beginning of the new class of cadets. Bob was thrilled to share his passion for the academy with his grandson. Bob's love for his country is topped only by his love for God, and his love for his family and friends. In his later years, Bob traveled the world with his wife, Nondi and spent time with loved ones. Those who were privileged to know Bob benefited from his constant love, support, encouragement, and mentoring. He is loved by many and his larger-than-life personality will be greatly missed. Bob was a member of the Army A Club, the Tampa Yacht and Country Club, the St. Andrew's Society of Tampa Bay, numerous military flying organizations, and an honorary member of the Delta Lambda Chapter of Tau Kappa Epsilon. He is survived by his wife of 28 years, Nondi; brother, Dan, wife, Carmen, nephews, Chad and Matthew, and grandnieces, Makenna and Ava, and grandnephew, Jacob; daughter, Nancy and husband, Greg; daughter, Ellen and husband, Douglas; step-daughter, Teresa and husband Gary; step-son, Joey; daughter-in law, Jennifer; 10 grandchildren, Nondace, Christi, Lance, Sarah, Ethan, Jonathan, Rebecca, Joseph, Jarrett, and Julia; two great-grandchildren, Ryleigh and Carson; and numerous other family members, friends, loved ones. Bob was predeceased by his wife of 30 years, Dorothy. Bob will be laid to rest on Monday, September 14, 2015 at the United States Military Academy Cemetery in West Point, N.Y. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Operation Helping Hand of Tampa (www.operationhelping-handtampa.com). Arrangements are under the direction of MILLARD-REKUS Family Funeral Chapel, 902 East North Street, Eldon, MO 65026; (573) 392-3351. Condolences may be left online for the family at www.millardfamilychapels.com