Robert L. (Bob) Tillery passed away on Tuesday, July 29, 2014 at his home with his family by his side.
Bob was born April 25, 1927 in Sioux City, Iowa to Asa and Hazel (Liston) Tillery. He started working at an early age delivering messages for the postal telegraph. He rode his bike the 7 miles to work, delivered telegraphs all day and then rode back home. When Bob turned 17 he was determined to join the Navy but had to get his parents’ permission. He returned to Iowa (he was working in Hawaii). He was sent to the Great Lakes U.S. Navy Training Center and was assigned to the USS Richard B Anderson (which was then under construction and he is a plank holder). He spent the rest of his service time assigned to that ship traveling to China, the Philippine, and South America. While in South America, Bob was assigned to the ship firing the first airborne rocket under the guidance of Warner Von Brown. Bob reenlisted for another tour. While on leave he married Beverly Ernst. They spent the next two years in Bremerton, Washington and in San Diego. After his discharge Bob worked on the family farm. He worked for a while for the railroad and then back to the farm at Albert City, Iowa. He applied to the FAA, was hired as an air traffic controller. As an air traffic controller he worked in Indianapolis, Indiana, Huron, South Dakota, and he was made chief of the flight station in Eagle, Colorado and Miles City, Montana. He retired from the FAA in Miles City. After his retirement, he worked various places in order to keep busy.
Bob is survived by his wife Beverly, his daughters; Luanne Waldow (Allen), Vicky Hamm (Ralph), and his son Randy. He also leaves behind four grandchildren and several great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his son Robert Lewis Tillery, Junior (Bobby Lou), his parents, his brother, Al and sister, Vonnie.
Robert went on the honor flight in 2013. He was very proud to have served his country and has always said it was the biggest thrill of his life.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, August 2, 2014 at 2:00 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church in Miles City. Interment will follow in the Eastern Montana State Veteran’s Cemetery with full military honors. Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home of Miles City is in charge of the arrangements. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.stevensonandsons.com.
Denise Harvey says
I am so sorry. We will miss Bob. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Denise and Jay
Duane & Laurie Claypool says
We will surely miss Bob. We always enjoyed seeing him at church, ballgames, etc… He was always fun to talk to & always had a smile on his face.
God bless.
Duane & Laurie
Carmen and Brad Knutson says
Sending our deepest sympathy. We got to know Bob when we lived next door. He always enjoyed our dog, Rusty. What a good person he was. May he rest in peace now. Hold your memories close!
Gary & Robin Barton says
We are so sorry for your loss. Bob was such a wonderful man. We will keep all of you in our prayers.
Becky and Mitch Hillier says
Bob was such a sweet and gentle soul and he will be missed by all who had the benefit of knowing him. Bev, you and Bob shared such a special love for one another and were so devoted to each other . My thoughts are with you. Prayers for peace and healing for you and your family during this difficult time.
Sarah Hall says
I’m so very sorry for your loss! Bob will always be missed. He was such a great person, really enjoyed him coming into the casino. May god be with you all during this time!
Niki Munroe says
So sorry for your loss Bev. I am keeping you in my thoughts and prayers.
Sherry Oster says
To Bob’s family-I am thinking of and praying for you. I met Bob while working at Roosevelt School a bunch of years ago. He was a joy to work with and such a thoughtful soul!
Sherry O
Pam & Karl Rogge says
Dear Bev and family – you have been in many thoughts and prayers. May God bless you in the days ahead.
Pam & Karl Rogge
J Johnson says
My sincere condolences to the family of Robert L. Tillery – May you find comfort in your loving memories and in recalling the Mr. Tillery’s many talents. It was not the Creator’s purpose that mankind suffer (Romans 5:12). God has promised that a time will come when no one will say “I am sick” (Isaiah 33:24). In the Bible we are promised a resurrection of dear family members and friends that we have lost (John 5:28, 29). I hope you are comforted by Bible promises of a hopeful future (John 17:3).
Betty Steiner says
My thoughts are with you. I met you when I work for State Farm in Miles City. May God keep you close . Betty steiner