Bobby Earl "Bob" Claybourn Jr.

Cochran - LTC Retired Bobby "Bob" Earl Claybourn, Jr. passed away from Covid on January 31, 2023, with his wife, Kate, by his side. Funeral services for Bob will be held at Mathis Funeral Home on Thursday, February 9, 2023, at 2:00 p.m., with a visitation 1 hour prior to the service. He will be buried with Military Honors on Friday, February 10, 2023, at the Georgia Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Milledgeville at 1:30 p.m.
Bob was born May 2, 1944, in Mt. Vernon, Illinois to his parents Mary and Bobby Claybourn, Sr. He is predeceased by his parents and his baby sister Donna Marie Claybourn. Bob will be missed by many friends and family members. Bob is survived by his wife Mary Kate Claybourn, his sister Debra and her husband Jeff Van Scoyk, niece Kristin, and nephew Ryan. Bob is also survived by special brothers-in-law Sammy and Jimmy Wells; sister-in-law Barry and her husband Dennis Cramer; nieces Amber and Emily; and nephews Raphe, J. D., and Carl.
Bob graduated from high school in Mt. Vernon, Illinois and continued his education as he graduated with a Bachelor's Degree in Chemistry from Southern Illinois University. It was at Southern Illinois University where he met the love of his life, Katherine Wells, an Art Major and Artist in her own right. Bob and Kate were married in 1965, and Bob later earned a Master's Degree in Counseling and Psychology from Troy State University.
While at SIU, Bob participated in the ROTC program. He also participated collegiately on SIU's Rifle team. After college, Bob worked for Electro-Motive for a short time, but then returned to SIU to do cancer research as part of Professor Herbert Hadler's carcinogenic polynuclear hydrocarbon research team. Then in 1968, Bob entered military service at Vance Air Force Base, Oklahoma and was commissioned an officer in the United States Air Force. He began his Air Force career in the Pilot Training Program and went on to serve 20 years and 6 months before he would retire from the Air Force.
During his distinguished career in the Air Force, LT Colonel Claybourn spent over 11 years as a B52 Bomber Pilot, ultimately reaching the level of Command Pilot. Throughout his career, LTC Claybourn served in many areas around the world, among them Thailand; Vietnam; Montgomery, Alabama; Sacramento, California; Grand Forks, North Dakota; Robins AFB, Georgia; and Okinawa, Japan. His last AF assignment before retiring was to serve as an Aircraft Maintenance Officer attached to the Royal Air Force at RAF Fairford, England.
LTC Claybourn was a graduate of the Air Weapons Instructor Course for B52s, the Combat Crew Training Course, and the Squadron Officer School. He also graduated from the Air Command and Staff College and the Air War College.
LTC Claybourn was awarded numerous decorations and honors for his service in the US Airforce. These include the Meritorious Service Medal with 2 Oak Leaf Clusters, the Air Medal with 1 Oak Leaf Cluster, the AF Commendation Medal with 1 Oak Leaf Cluster, the Combat Readiness Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the AF Longevity Medal with 4 Devices, the Vietnam Service Medal, the AF Overseas Service Long Tour Medal, the Small Arms Expert Rifle ribbon, the AF Outstanding Unit Award, the AF Training ribbon, and the Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with 1 Device.
While at Robins AFB, Bob and Kate purchased property in Bleckley County. Here they have spent many happy and cherished years together as they have renovated and beautified their home and surroundings.
Shortly after retiring from the Air Force, Bob began working for H&R Block in Cochran, first with Walter and Bobbie Davis and later with Danny Dykes. He worked 17 years helping his clients file their taxes and is known by many for his diligence and kindness in helping others.
Other than spending time on various projects from renovating to gardening, Bob enjoyed reading. In recent years, he discovered a special love of reading aloud just for pleasure to Kate while she crafted her custom jewelry. After just a chapter or so, Bob's voice would seem to naturally take on the persona of the characters and bring the stories even more alive.
Anyone who knew Bob, whether as friend, student, co-worker, or family member, felt the kindness and steadiness of concern for them and for the world in general. He was meticulous in all that he did. Professor Hadler, with whom he did ground-breaking cancer research, would, until his retiring day, call Bob his "Best Research Assistant Ever" because Bob always conducted his work with such accuracy that he knew the results were valid.
Many have experienced both Bob's attention to detail and expectations to do things right, as well as his sense of humor evidenced by his subtle smile, quick chuckle, or hearty laugh. Many of us have also felt Bob's patience and understanding for those who have sought his help and friendship.
Anyone who knew him could easily recognize Bob's profound love and devotion for his wife, Kate. Throughout their 58 years together, they have lived through many challenges and many cherished adventures. One of their favorite pastimes has been observing the nature around them and caring for their beloved pets, which have included their cats and even a rescued flying squirrel. Always in awe of the world's creations, they have enjoyed making plasters of the bear tracks around their house and even the sightings of other animals that have crossed their paths.
The most recent challenge for Bob and Kate has been Bob's health. Following surgery for a hip replacement, Bob ultimately came to Bryant Nursing Home, where he was receiving therapy. On the morning of January 31st, he was transported from Bryant to Bleckley Memorial, where he passed away a few hours later. The family thanks all those who lovingly and conscientiously cared for Bob. His passing will leave a vacant spot in our lives, but his memory, his influence, and his love will forever remind us of the beauty in the world and will bring us all strength, courage, and comfort.
Flowers are accepted. In lieu of flowers, those wishing to do so may make a donation to the American Cancer Society in memory of Bob.
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