ROBERT LETSON
Name: ROBERT LETSON
Entry Date: 63
Exit Date: 68
Rating:
Squad: 21
Status: D: 08/09/2015
“Robert Letson passed away on Aug. 9, 2015, at his home in Tehachapi after a long battle with cancer. He was 74 years old. Interment will be at the Bakersfield National Cemetery on Tuesday, Aug. 18, 2015, at 1400 hours (2 p.m.) There will be a Celebration of Life the following day, on Wednesday, Aug. 19, at the Equestrian Center in Bear Valley Springs, beginning at 11 a.m.
Bob was born on Nov. 19, 1940, in Ft. Worth, Texas, to H.E. and Evelyn Letson. To keep him out of the local pool hall, his parents sent him off to military school in New Mexico, for his junior college years. He went on to get a bachelor’s degree from Texas Tech University in Lubbock, Texas, and then joined the U.S. Navy to become a Navy pilot. He flew for the Navy during the Vietnam War era, and in 1968, hired on with Continental Airlines. He flew Boeing 707s, 727s and DC-10s domestically and internationally. After Continental filed for bankruptcy in 1983, Robert hired on with MGM Grand Airlines, flying charter flights all over the world. MGM Grand sold out to Champion Air, and Robert continued to fly with them until he retired in 2000. After he retired, he moved to Tehachapi with his wife, Sharron.
Bob was full of love for life and for the people around him. He could find humor in almost any situation, and made life fun for those around him. The bonds he formed with the flight world were friendships that lasted a lifetime. He loved playing golf with his friends at Horse Thief Country Club in Stallion Springs and taking his vintage cars to car shows with friends in the Tehachapi Car Club. He was also happy just to stay home with his wife and two dogs.
Robert is survived by his wife of 42 years, Sharron Letson; daughter, Tracy King; and two grandchildren, Bobby King and Jennifer King.
Robert had a soft spot in his heart for the Special Olympics, and donations may be made in his name to that organization in lieu of flowers.
We will miss him. The world will not be as much fun without Bob Letson in it.
Wood Family Funeral Service, Inc. was entrusted with his care. For condolences, please visit woodmortuary.net.
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