On April 9, 2017, this old smokin’ cowboy made it to the big corral in the sky.
Charles Robert ‘Bob’ Taylor was born March 2, 1927, in Santa Rita, NM. He grew up in the Chino Copper Company town of Hurley, NM. During his youth he participated in rodeo sports such as bareback bronc and bull riding. He also enjoyed horseback riding, hunting, and fishing in southwestern New Mexico..
Bob’s aviation career and life-long love of airplanes began when he was just 10 years old. A barnstormer from Denver came to Hurley with a Ford tri-motor and a Waco bi-plane. Bob’s job was to distribute leaflets, to service the engines of the planes, and to keep the cabins clean after each flight.
In 1944 Bob enlisted in the United States Navy. After technical and flight training, he flew as a combat air crewman in PBY seaplanes based at Jacksonville, FL. He then transferred to long-range PB4Y four-engine, land-based patrol bombers patrolling the Atlantic and Caribbean oceans. During the last months of WW II, Bob flew in patrol bombing squadron VPB197 in the Asiatic Pacific arena. As a member of The Greatest Generation and a WW II veteran, in 2013 Bob was selected to participate in Honor Flight VII.
In 1945 Bob met Helen Kelly in Oakland, CA; a year later they were married in Santa Cruz, NM. They were married for 63 years until Helen passed away in 2010. Helen and Bob were a team working together managing an aviation business, raising three children, and traveling the US for many years in their motor home.
After WW II Bob attended aviation mechanic school earning a CAA aircraft and engine mechanic’s license. Upon graduation, he was employed at the Greenville, MS, Air Force Base training pilots for the Korean War. Bob’s next business venture included formation of his own company which engaged in aircraft maintenance, flight instruction, and charter operations.
After 10 years of operating his business, Bob was hired by the Federal Aviation Administration as an aviation safety inspector. His duties included certification of aircraft, airmen, maintenance facilities, and accident and violation investigations. He was employed for 30 years at locations including Minneapolis, MN; Helena, MT; and Denver, CO. In 1980 Bob was appointed Chief of the FAA’s Flight Standards District Office in Helena. He retired in December 1988.
Bob served as a volunteer with St. Paul’s Methodist Church which included acting as Boy Scout pack leader. Bob and his wife Helen also volunteered with West Mont giving support to many who needed help with transportation or home services.
After his retirement, Bob began designing models of vintage aircraft and steam locomotives. Many of his works have been on display at the Helena Airport Terminal for the past several years. He came to be known as ‘Bob the Builder’ with the many youngsters who received his hand-crafted toy airplanes, cars, and trains.
Bob was preceded in death by his parents Joseph Sinnett Taylor and Vena Mae Dean Taylor; wife Helen Grace Kelly Taylor; and son Charles Robert Taylor, Jr.
Bob is survived by his daughters Marilynn Taylor, Florence, MT; and MaryAnn Herriges (Aaron), Montana City; grandchildren Tally (Valerie) Armstrong, Helena; Charles Armstrong, Butte; and Jessica Armstrong, Helena; great grandchildren Christopher Armstrong, Fort Gordon, GA; John Armstrong, Helena; Kayci Armstrong, Montana City; Kaydence Lingle, Montana City; Mark Mathews, Jr. (Megan), Spokane, WA; and Jozef Bird, Helena. He is also survived by cohorts Jamie and Lynn Neer, Dale and Juanita Wyrick, Patrick Brand, and friends at Steve’s Cafe.
Viewing will be from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. with the funeral service starting at 1:00 p.m., Saturday, April 15th at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 N. Montana Avenue. Graveside service with military honors will immediately follow the service at Forestvale Cemetery, 490 Forestvale Road, Helena. A reception will follow the burial back at the ASW Reception Hall. In lieu of flowers donations are requested to be sent to Montana Veterans Foundation, 1112 Leslie, Helena, MT 59601; The Museum of Mountain Flying, 713 South Third Street West, Missoula, MT 59801; or a charity of the donor’s choice. Please visit www.aswfuneralhome.com to offer a condolence to the family or to share a memory of Bob.
Service Schedule
Funeral Service
1:00 p.m
Saturday April 15, 2017
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Avenue
Helena , Montana 59602
Burial with Military Honors
Following the Service
Saturday April 15, 2017
Forestvale Cemetery
490 Forestvale Road
Helena , Montana 59602
Reception
Following the Burial to
Saturday April 15, 2017
ASW Social Hall
3750 N. Montana Avenue
Helena, Montana 59602
Service Schedule
Funeral Service
1:00 p.m
Saturday April 15, 2017
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Avenue
Helena , Montana 59602
Burial with Military Honors
Following the Service
Saturday April 15, 2017
Forestvale Cemetery
490 Forestvale Road
Helena , Montana 59602
Reception
Following the Burial to
Saturday April 15, 2017
ASW Social Hall
3750 N. Montana Avenue
Helena, Montana 59602
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Tom Johnson says
I was saddened, but not surprised to read of Bob’s passing. He appeared very week when I last saw him. I knew Bob first as a client but over time, as a very special friend. He would drop by the office or call from time to time not for any professional reason, but just to visit. I enjoyed that very much and will miss that time with him.
If there is anything I can do , please let me know. Our thoughts are with you.
Tom Johnson
Jennifer Hardwick says
I had the pleasure of seeing Bob twice a day for many years during his visit to Steve’s Cafe. There was never a moment when he wasn’t smiling. I always appreciated his stories and visits. I will miss him dearly! My thoughts and prayers to his family.
Amy Smiedala says
I was very sorry to hear of Bob’s passing. I spoke with him a few weeks ago over the phone and it just doesn’t seem possible that he is gone. I will always cherish the time he spent swapping stories of military adventures with friend Bill Clark and myself, and getting to see his amazing collection of handmade airplane and train models. A very special man that will be greatly missed!
Leah French Bachtel says
I’m saddened to hear of Bob’s passing. Bob was the Manager that hired me into the Helena FAA, Flight Standards Office as his Administrative Officer. I am now retired after serving 35 years as part of the management team for several federal agencies. I was with FAA Flight Standards for 20 of those 35 years thanks to Bob and his continued support of my career goals while he was my manager. Of my 35 years and all the various federal agencies I’ve worked with Bob was the VERY BEST Manager I have ever worked with. He was not only super knowledgeable about every aspect of aviation, he was a true Manager and was always so kind, sincere, honest, caring and supportive of all his employees. I would not have experienced my dynamic federal career without my Manager and friend Bob Taylor. I do not live in Montana and am unable to attend his services, my prayers are with his family.
Jim Cooney says
Bob exemplifies the meaning of “Our Greatest Generation”! I feel privileged to have known the man!