Robert Stephens

Robert William Stephens, 88 passed away December 29. He will be interred at Fort Richardson National Cemetery with full military honors in the spring.

Bob was born January 23, 1924 and spent his early years in Wilkes-Barre, PA. After high school, he went to work as a draftsman for the Glenn L Martin Aircraft Co. in Baltimore, MD.

During WWII, he joined the Army Air Corps and trained to become a pilot. Before going overseas, he married the love of his life, Gloria Bailek in 1945. After the war, Bob entered the University of Maryland. He received a degree in Aeronautical Engineering in 1951.

In 1951, he returned to active duty to serve as a Night Photo Reconnaissance Pilot during the Korean War. Bob received numerous decorations for his service in combat including the Distinguished Flying Cross. He concluded his active duty military service in Ohio In 1953 and got a job with Cessna Aircraft Co. as a flight test engineer. Bob and Gloria moved to Wichita, KS to make a home and start a family.

In 1963, he began his career with the FAA in Oklahoma City, OK. He was transferred to Alaska In December of 1964. With four children, four cats, and a Doberman, Bob and Gloria drove the ALCAN Hwy to a new home in Anchorage, AK.

In 1975, Bob and Gloria were transferred to Wichita, KS then Independence, MO. In 1986, Bob retired from the FAA and moved back to Anchorage to be near children and grandchildren. Bob will be remembered for his quirky sense of humor and his love of tinkering with anything, especially airplanes.

Bob was preceded in death by his wife of 59 years Gloria and his son Mitchell Stephens.

He is survived by his sons Robert (Julie), and Gary, daughter Kimberly, and grandchildren Phil (Sarah Jo), Mat, Joe, John, William, and Kate, and extended family, Eric (Laurie) Tanner and their children.

The family would like to express their sincerest gratitude for all the loving care Bob received while a resident at the Pioneer Home.

Arrangements by Alaska Cook Inlet Funeral Services,www.cookinletfuneralhome.com