Robert Joseph Hall, 95, former WWII Military Glider Pilot, slipped away on "silent wings" and soared heavenward on Thursday, December 29, 2016. Robert was born on December 23, 1921, near Floydada, TX. His father was a Methodist minister and he attended several grade schools, including Millsap, Loving, Talpa, Holland, and Bynum.
He attended Daniel Baker College and got his private pilot license. He enlisted in the Army and after Pearl Harbor got in the Flying Cadet program and Glider School. While in training in Lubbock, he met Eloise Ottinger and they married on February 6, 1943, before leaving for WWII. He flew gliders across North Africa, across the Mediterranean, Sicily, Naples-Foggia, Rome-Arno, England, Normandy, Northern France, and West Germany, earning a campaign medal with 6 Bronze Service Stars.
He returned in July, 1945 and worked for American Airlines in Big Spring, TX and later was owner of Stephenville Hardware Company. He remained in the Air Force Reserves until 1981 and retired as a Lt. Colonel. He returned to school and got his M.A. in History at Texas A&I, Kingsville, TX. He was teacher and coordinator for Distributive Education in Weatherford and Denton High Schools. He retired as Area Supervisor and Marketing and DE Vocational programs with the Texas Education Agency.
He and Eloise also enjoyed working as a Services Specialists at FEMA in Denton from 1998-2004 where they helped thousands with aid during major disasters and met many wonderful friends.
He was preceded in death by parents, Homer Ross and Fannie Nelson Hall; brother, Edward Hall; and nephew, Eddie Hall.
Survived by wife of 73 years, Eloise Bernell Hall; daughter, Patricia Marshall and husband, Bud; son, Bobby Hall and wife, Paula; son, Mike Hall and wife Phyllis; grandchildren, Melissa Lutz and husband, Brett; Ryan Hall; Meegan Miloud and husband, Jedd; Russ Hall and wife, Jenn; and several much-loved great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
A visitation will be held from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM Monday, January 2, 2017 at the funeral home. A celebration of life will be held at 10:30 AM Tuesday, January 3, 2017 in the chapel of Mulkey-Mason Funeral Home, 705 N. Locust, Denton. Rev. Davey Wright will officiate the service. Interment will follow at Roselawn Memorial Park, Denton.