Search by Name

Colonel Robert Louis Erbe

Colonel Robert Louis Erbe obituary

Robert Erbe Obituary

Erbe, Colonel Robert Louis
USA Army Colonel Robert Erbe passed away on April 19, 2014 at home surrounded by his loving family. Bob was born and raised in the Panama Canal Zone where his father was a special assistant to the governor. Bob was the fourth son of five boys of Ernest and Ruth Gardiner Erbe. After graduating high school Bob joined the Navy V5 program. While in that program Bob received a senatorial appointment to the US Military Academy at West Point. He graduated with the class of 1949. He married his sweetheart, a New York girl, Rosemary Ryan, who proved to be an ideal Army wife and mother. Bob and Rosemary had various assignments in the United States including Hawaii as well as overseas tours in Germany, France, Pakistan and Vietnam. His two children Diane and Mark were born in Germany. Upon their return from Germany Bob was selected to do his graduate work at the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor where he earned his Master of Science and Engineering degree. Bob volunteered for the US Army Aviation Program. After flight training Bob was certified to fly Army helicopters and planes. Following flight school he was chosen for the Command General Staff College. His next tour was in Karachi, Pakistan with the U.S. Military Advisor Group. The next three years were spent with the Army General Staff at the Pentagon followed by a battalion command assignment in Vietnam where Bob was awarded his first of three Legion of Merits and an Air Medal. It was then back to Germany for another tour of duty. From Germany to Newport, Rhode Island to attend The U.S. Naval War College. He returned to Vietnam for another command assignment. Vietnam was followed by a four-year tour in Hawaii, while there he earned his professional registration in both civil and structural engineering in Hawaii, Florida and Arizona. His last assignment was Fort Sam Houston, Texas. After twenty-nine years of military service, thirty-seven moves and numerous awards, medals, badges, commendations and a campaign ribbon for his services, Bob and Rosemary retired from the Army. Shortly there after Bob joined Greiner Engineering Sciences working as a project engineer. In 1990 Bob and Rosemary moved to Sun City West and settled down to retirement living for fourteen happy years before moving to their final home at Heritage Palmras in Sun City. Bob is survived by Rosemary his wife of 64 years, his daughter Diane Ryan Hollinger (Bob) of Scottsdale AZ, his son Mark (Sue) of Falls Church, VA. He is predeceased by three brothers, Phillip, Richard, and Lawrence. He is survived by one brother, Alan (Anna) in El Paso, Texas. Funeral services will be in Arlington National Cemetery with full military honors. Bob was a devoted husband, loving father, dear friend, and a loyal and good soldier. Duty, Honor, Country.

Published by The Arizona Republic on May 4, 2014.
34465541-95D0-45B0-BEEB-B9E0361A315A

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Memories and Condolences
for Robert Erbe

Not sure what to say?





1 Entry

Rosemary, and family:
I am sorry to hear of your loss.
May he rest in Peace.
Another good soldier in heaven.

Eric Gustafson

May 13, 2014

Showing 1 - 1 of 1 results

Make a Donation
in Robert Erbe's name

Memorial Events
for Robert Erbe

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

How to support Robert's loved ones
Commemorate a cherished Veteran with a special tribute of Taps at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Robert Erbe's life and legacy
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more