Share
Let the family know you care by sharing this tribute.
Robert Lyle Webster passed early morning on March 26, 2021 at his home in Box Springs, Georgia surrounded by his family.
Prior to enlisting in the military in 1958, Bob was a graduate of Virginia Military Institute. He was especially proud of being a “smoke jumper” in Montana during his college summer breaks. Bob had an honorable and lengthy military career. He fought in the Vietnam War as an aviation pilot and was awarded many commendations during his service including; National Defense Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Vietnam Service Medal w/ 1 Silver Star, Bronze Star Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal w/ 60 Device, Vietnam Cross of Gallantry w/ Palm, 3 Overseas Service Bars, Ranger Tab, Parachutist Badge, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal and Air Medal. He was also awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, Master Army Aviator Badge and Meritorious Service Medal. Bob retired with Honorable Service on February 28, 1978 as an Armed Forces Lieutenant Colonel.
Bob’s hobbies included waterfowl hunting in North Dakota as well as bear hunting in Wisconsin. He was also a skilled vegetable gardener. His family, friends and neighbors were the lucky recipients of the fruits of his labor.
Bob is preceded in death by his parents; R. Lyle Webster and Lucy Overby Webster, his brother; Dr. Thomas Webster, daughter; Kimberly Alice Wilson and former wife; Betty Webster.
He is survived by his ex-wife and mother of his children; Lunita Turner, sister; Patsy Benedict, daughters; Elizabeth Shawn Webster, Molly McManus (Chuck) and Roberta Lorraine Turner, grandchildren; Rick, Robert, Jose, Jennifer, Molly and Phillip. He also leaves behind many nieces and nephews.
He will be sorely missed by all who knew him.
At his request, a private family memorial will be held in North Dakota at a later date. Donations may be made to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation (t2t.org), which was a charity near and dear to his heart.
The family is being assisted by Georgia Cremation, 7500 Veterans Parkway, Suite A, Columbus, Georgia 31909, 706-577-0055. The family invites you to leave a condolence or share a fond memory of Mr. Webster below.
Ray Jennings says
Bob was my company commander of the 282nd Assault Helicopter Company in Vietnam. He was liked by everyone in the company, officers and enlisted men. After leaving Vietnam I did not meet up with Bob until many years later when he started coming to the 282nd Black Cat reunions. Bob was still the fine gentleman that I knew in Vietnam. Since reuniting with Bob he and I have stayed in contact. I enjoyed our conversations on the phone and he always asked about my wife and spoke with her many times. I am going to miss those conversations and visiting with him at the reunions. I know his family knows this but I just want to state again what a fine man he was. Heaven has received a great man and he has joined his troops that preceded him. From all his troops of the 282nd that he commanded, Rest in Peace Brother.
Richard M. Smith says
On behalf of the Class of 1956 at VMI I send our condolence to Bob’s family as Class Agent. Bob was recognized as one of our most far sighted and enthusiastic outdoor athletes. His interest in airplanes and parachuting was obvious early on in our years at VMI. He wasn’t particularly interested in holding rank, but was a good military student. He probably received more metals and accommodations for his army service than any of our Brother Rats. He could be counted on to provide accounts of his activities for the Alumni Review reports. His life will be missed by all who knew him well.
Estevav Castillo says
Condolences for “Mr Bob” as I knew him… as a former Army Veteran myself, I remember all the talks we had about the army… I loved listening to his stories… he was a great man and outstanding individual… I really looked up to him as a mentor. He will be missed dearly by all…
John K Johnson says
Dang. I’ve been searching for him for years, sending emails that bounced, etc., only to find him now in the obits. Nice guy and friend, as well as my supervisor at Rucker in M-22 Branch. I tried to transfer to 282d when he was in command when I was in then in 101st, but couldn’t swing it, even after visiting him at Marble Mtn to see him. All-around good guy. My regards to the family.
Don and Sherri Anderson says
We haven’t heard from Bob for a long time and I started online searching. We are sad to hear he passed. Bob was married to my best friend, Betty Webster. We shared good times together in Wisconsin and many phone calls over the years. So happy they had happy years of marriage, travel and a contented life. After everything Bob had been through, he was a walking treasure trove of stories of his experiences. What a patriot! ❤️❤️❤️