Robert Lee Sturk

HAMPTON - Colonel Robert L. Sturk, USAF, retired, a resident of Hampton, Virginia, since 1976 died at Sentara Heart Hospital, Norfolk, Virginia, February 22, 2016, at the age of 85. Colonel Sturk was born in Randolph Vermont and lived in Bethel where he graduated from Whitcomb High School in 1948. After graduation from High School he attended the University of Vermont and received his degree in Economics in 1952. He was commissioned through the Vermont Air National Guard to attend pilot training and instructor pilot training and returned to the Guard where he served until 1957. He entered extended active duty with the United States Air Force that year and was integrated as a Regular Officer in the Air Force where he served until his retirement at Langley Air Force Base in 1980. Colonel Sturk was a veteran of the Vietnam War where he flew 750 combat missions in 1968. His military decorations include: The Legion of Merit, The Distinguished Flying Cross, Bronze Star Medal, the Air Medal with 16 Oak Leaf Clusters, Joint Service Commendation Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, and the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal. Colonel Sturk was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Fox Hill where he served on the administrative board and was the Treasure of the Building Fund. He was also a member of Theta Chi Fraternity and of White River Lodge No. 90 A.F. & A.M. and a 32nd degree Mason. Survivors include his wife of 59 years the former Alice Blackmer, a son Colonel USAF retired, Bruce R. Sturk of Yorktown Virginia, a daughter, Rebecca Sturk Galvin, of West Chester Ohio, and five grandchildren plus one great granddaughter. A memorial service at First United Methodist Church, Fox Hill, will be conducted at 2 p.m., Friday, February 26, 2016. The family will receive friends at the church following the service. The family requests that memorial contributions be sent to the First United Methodist Church, Fox Hill, building fund.