Robert Anthony Tunis

Tunis, Robert Anthony
90, of Globe, AZ, passed away Oct. 2, 2012. Among his passions were solving crossword puzzles, tracking the weather and current news events, and chuckling at Looney Tunes cartoons. He eagerly cheered on the Arizona Diamondbacks and ASU Sun Devils, the college which he attended, and he was known for making the best-ever Bloody Mary drinks and fried green tomatoes. Born February 19, 1922 at the Ehrenbreitstine Fortress US Army base in Koblenz, Germany, he travelled the US and world with his parents Harry Ogle Tunis and Amber Belle Mitchell as an "Army Brat." Robert recalled such events as playing with a pet monkey in the Philippines, passing through the locks on the Panama Canal, sticking his finger in the crack of the Liberty Bell, and losing his toy submarine in the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool. He moved to Globe in 1932 and graduated from Globe High School in 1940. Robert served during WWII in the US Navy as an Aviation Machinist Mate First Class and was a Plane Captain on the PB4Y-1 Liberator. While being transported to the Admiralty Islands on Christmas Day 1944, he was initiated as a "Shellback" for crossing the Equator. He had earlier become a member of the "Order of the Golden Dragon" for crossing the International Date Line. Returning to the US in 1946, he began dating a "tall, slender girl," Estherbel Denny. The pair was often seen at 2 Lanes nightclub dancing to the days' Swing hits. They were married from 1949 until her death in 1992. Robert started his career at Inspiration Consolidated Copper Company in 1948 as a Draftsman and retired 34 years later as a Project Engineer. He believed it was important to donate blood and over the course of his life, he donated more than 7 gallons to the American Red Cross. As a Charter Member of the Miami Gun Club, which later became the Globe-Miami Gun Club, he attained the classification of Expert, Civilian for high power rifles. In later years, he enjoyed metallic silhouette shooting. Robert was an avid fisherman who would hike down the sides of mountains to find pristine trout fishing streams in the White Mountains and southwestern Colorado as well as ride the waves in a small motorboat to locate prime fishing spots in El Golfo at Guaymas and Cholla Bay, Mexico. In retirement, he traveled the US and Europe with friends and his companion Mary Ellen McGinness. He will be missed by his loving family who fondly remember eating his home-grown tomatoes and radishes, fishing trips to lakes and streams, and holidays spent watching "A Christmas Story." Father to three children, Robert D. (Diana) of Globe, William "Bill" now deceased, and Shelly A. Tunis (Jim Platt) of Tempe. Brother to Margaret Stifler now deceased and Rosalie "Molly" Bond of Claiborne, MD. Grandfather to Samantha Tunis (Nathan Sterk) of Chandler, Shane Platt and Tristan Platt of Tempe, and Paul Tunis of New York City. Great-grandfather to Zoë Sterk. He also leaves behind nieces, nephews, cousins and lifelong friends. At Robert's request, no services are planned. Contributions in his memory may be made to the Salvation Army of Globe.