MSGT. ROBERT BURKHART U.S. Air Force, Retired Robert "Bob" C. Burkhart, 84, born July 4, 1924, in Taft, Calif., passed away peacefully, April 18, 2009, at home, in the company of his family.

Bob was one of nine children, and the last survivor of his generation. Born to the King family of California, he and one sister, Hazel "Anna," were later adopted and raised by Charles and Blanche Burkhart of Santa Barbara, Calif.

Bob loved people, family and all varieties of sports. His interest in sports started while attending Santa Barbara High School, where he was a member of the varsity track and field team, and it continued thoughout his life. Bob was a superb table tennis player -- ranked nationally both as a young man, and later, as a senior citizen. Well into his 70's, Bob was still an active participant in sports and was recognized as one of Nevada State's Senior Olympians.

Bob was also a veteran who served the nation proudly in the U.S. Navy during World War II, and later, as a career member of the U.S. Air Force. During World War II, Bob served aboard the USS Rochambeau (AP-63), a troop transport that saw action in the Guadalcanal Campaign of 1942/43 and also supported naval operations at Noumea, Suva, Bora Bora, New Zealand, New Caledonia, New Hebrides, New Guinea and the Solomon Islands. After World War II, Bob switched from the Navy to the newly created Air Force. After retiring from the U.S. Air Force in 1969, he continued Federal employment with the U.S. Postal Service for a number of years, first at Port Hueneme and later at Hemit, Calif. Bob was married three times and widowed twice.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Hazel; second wife, Edith; third wife, Norma; a grandson, Michael E. Brandise; and two great-granddaughters, Celestial Newton and Olivia Irelin Brandise Hyten.

Bob is survived by his sons, Robert L. Brkhart and David (Wendy) Wright; daughters, Diane (Harry) Brandise, Georgia Brandise and Marsha (Jack) Barkley; 20 grandchildren; 57 great-grandchildren; and four great-great-grandchildren.

The family would like to express their sincere gratitude to Juliet Ouijano, director of the Rose of Sharon Group Home, for her exemplary care and devotion to Bob prior to his passing. Her dedication, love and service to Bob will not be forgotten.

Visitation will be 10-11 a.m. Thursday, April 23, with the funeral immediately following, both at the LDS Castle Ridge Ward Chapel, 1525 Guilford Drive, in Henderson. A graveside service will follow at 1:20 p.m., at the Southern Nevada Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 1900 Buchanan Blvd., Boulder City.

Published Las Vegas Review Journal 4.22.2009