Robert Alan “Bob” Dunbar
February 27th, 1933 - October 28th, 2022
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Bob's Obituary
Robert Alan “Bob” Dunbar, 89, of St. Joseph MI, passed away suddenly on Friday, October 28, 2022 at his home. A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Wednesday, November 2, at 12 PM at Chapel Hill United Methodist Church, 4071 Naomi Rd., Sodus, MI, officiated by Pastor Patti Harpole. A private burial will be held at Riverview Cemetery in St. Joseph. Friends may visit with the family an hour prior to the service at the church. Memorial contributions may be made to Chapel Hill UMC, www.chapelhillmethodist.org/give-online/ or Wounded Warrior Project, www.woundedwarriorproject.org. Those wishing to leave an online condolence may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com
Bob was born on February 27, 1933, in Norwood, MA. He was raised in Dedham, MA and spent summers on Plum Island where he began his life time love of sailing. Bob graduated in 1950 from Dedham High School and continued his education by attending Northeastern University. While in college he worked as a runner at Stone and Webster in Boston.
Bob joined the United States Air Force in December 1952. He went to cadets and graduated as a 2nd Lieutenant Pilot. He flew many types of bombers, including B25s, B47s, and B52s. Much of his service to our country was in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula at the Kincheloe Air Base flying nuclear bomb laden B52s. While serving, he met Sally from Hessel, MI, and they married in 1963.
In 1965, Bob left the Air Force for American Airlines, relocating from Kincheloe, MI to Villa Park, IL and eventually back to Michigan. Together they raised three daughters on a fruit farm and then settled in Saint Joseph. They split time between Saint Joseph and their Cedarville cottage. He was a pilot for American Airlines and retired as a DC10 Captain in 1993.
After retiring, Sally and Bob traveled the country in their motorhome and the seas while cruising. They visited beautiful places and enjoyed the friendships they made. Bob had a strong faith and was a longtime member of Chapel Hill United Methodist Church. He was also a member of Southwest Michigan Car Club, Lions Club and Masons. Bob collected antique automobiles from the 1950s. He was a dedicated patriot.
Bob worked hard throughout his life, he enjoyed dogs, games and took great care of his Wife Sally.
Bob is survived by his loving wife of 59 years, Sally of St. Joseph; daughters, Stacy (Neal) Bruder of Berrien Center, Leslie Elder of Penn., and Kristen (Chris) Posa of Plymouth, MI; grandchildren, Marshall (Hannah) Elder & Lacey Elder, Andy & Ben Posa; and brother, Warren Dunbar.
Bob was born on February 27, 1933, in Norwood, MA. He was raised in Dedham, MA and spent summers on Plum Island where he began his life time love of sailing. Bob graduated in 1950 from Dedham High School and continued his education by attending Northeastern University. While in college he worked as a runner at Stone and Webster in Boston.
Bob joined the United States Air Force in December 1952. He went to cadets and graduated as a 2nd Lieutenant Pilot. He flew many types of bombers, including B25s, B47s, and B52s. Much of his service to our country was in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula at the Kincheloe Air Base flying nuclear bomb laden B52s. While serving, he met Sally from Hessel, MI, and they married in 1963.
In 1965, Bob left the Air Force for American Airlines, relocating from Kincheloe, MI to Villa Park, IL and eventually back to Michigan. Together they raised three daughters on a fruit farm and then settled in Saint Joseph. They split time between Saint Joseph and their Cedarville cottage. He was a pilot for American Airlines and retired as a DC10 Captain in 1993.
After retiring, Sally and Bob traveled the country in their motorhome and the seas while cruising. They visited beautiful places and enjoyed the friendships they made. Bob had a strong faith and was a longtime member of Chapel Hill United Methodist Church. He was also a member of Southwest Michigan Car Club, Lions Club and Masons. Bob collected antique automobiles from the 1950s. He was a dedicated patriot.
Bob worked hard throughout his life, he enjoyed dogs, games and took great care of his Wife Sally.
Bob is survived by his loving wife of 59 years, Sally of St. Joseph; daughters, Stacy (Neal) Bruder of Berrien Center, Leslie Elder of Penn., and Kristen (Chris) Posa of Plymouth, MI; grandchildren, Marshall (Hannah) Elder & Lacey Elder, Andy & Ben Posa; and brother, Warren Dunbar.
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