Robert Blu

Robert Elliott Blu, age 94, died April 20, 2014, in Centennial, Colorado. He was born on March 25, 1920 in Milford, Illinois, the son of John Harrison "Harry" Blu and Mabel Rose Elliott. In the ensuing years the family moved to Kirksville, Missouri, Flint, Michigan, Grand Rapids, Michigan, where he graduated from Creston High School in 1938 and Indianapolis, Indiana. After attending Butler University in Indianapolis for three years, he went on active duty in the U.S. Naval Reserve, serving from 1941 to 1947. He was awarded the Silver Star Medal and The Air Medal for service as the pilot of a carrier-based torpedo bomber in action against major units of the Japanese fleet in 1945. Upon release from active duty, he resumed his educational pursuits at Indiana University, earning a bachelor's degree in 1948. On November 24, 1948 he and Ferne Marie Simmons, a graduate student, were married in Bloomington, Indiana. This union lasted for 56 years, five months and three days, terminating with her death on April 27, 2005. He graduated from Indiana University School of Dentistry in 1954 and served in the U.S. Public Health Service until 1960 at which time he commenced the private practice of dentistry in Lakewood, Colorado, eventually retiring in 1980. The same year he also retired from the U.S. Naval Reserve with the rank of Commander, Dental Corps. Survivors include daughters Margaret Ellen, Janet (George Robinson, deceased), Barbara, son Robert E, II (Heidi), grandson Nathan, granddaughter Nicole and numerous nieces and a nephew. His parents and an older adopted sister, Elizabeth Murray, preceded him in death. He was a Life Member of the American Dental Association and its component societies, Delta Sigma Delta dental fraternity, Indiana University Alumni Association and the Military Officers Association of America. Services will be held Thursday, May 29 at 10:30 AM, Ft. Logan, Staging Area B. Those wishing to contribute to his memory may do so to a charity of their choice.