GILLES, Robert Leonard 1923-2012

GILLES, TAYLOR, FOBES

Posted By: County Coordinator
Date: 1/23/2012 at 13:02:52

Robert L. Gilles

Robert L. Gilles, left this life October 5, 2011. Bob was born in Osage, Iowa, on December 3, 1923 to Leonard John Gilles and Lillian Taylor Gilles. Bob graduated from Osage High School in 1942 and entered Cornell College but was called into active duty with the US Army Air Corp.

He graduated from the Aviation Cadet Training program after completing the single engine fighter pilot program. He received his wings and was commissioned 2nd Lieutenant in 1943, Foster Field, Texas. After training in the P-47 Thunderbolt, he was transferred to the 507 Fighter Group, 464 Fighter Squadron and served in the South Pacific flying many combat missions over South Japan, Korea and Shanghai, China. He was awarded the Pacific Theatre Ribbon with 3 battle stars, the Air Medal with the Oak Leaf Cluster and the Presidential Unit Citation. After he was released from the Army Air Force in July 1947 he completed his degree at Cornell College, May 19.

He married Joanne Fobes March 15, 1955 in Sioux City, Iowa. He was employed by Hormel and Company for 33 years as a Salesman and District Manager. He and Joanne lived in New Orleans, Louisiana, and Salt Lake City, Utah, before retiring in Dec 1983, spending winters in Mesa, Arizona, and summers in Park City, Utah. Bob enjoyed cooking, playing golf, baseball and volunteering at both the Mesa and Park City Museum's.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents and his wife Joanne who died April 8, 1998.

He is survived by a brother, Jerry and niece Lisa Roy of Orrington, Maine. He is also survived by Joanne's cousins, Jane Martin and Marylea Gazette who have cared for Bob for the past few years.

A memorial service will be held Nov 10, 2011, 2:00 PM at Hansen Chapel of Prayer, 108 N. 56th St., Mesa.

Memorials may be made to the Arizona Humane Society or the American Cancer Society.

(Obituary and color photo from Arizona Republic;
B&W photo from Mitchell County Press, June 8, 1944)
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NOTE:

His middle name is Leonard, according to Social Security Death Index:
Robert Leonard Gilles, Born: 1923, Died: 2011

Mitchell Obituaries maintained by Sharyl Ferrall.
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