Robert Charles Soutar
Died: Saturday, March 12, 2016
Beloved husband of the late Dorothy L. Soutar (nee Heck); loving father of Sharon (Mark) Cherry; dear grandfather of Kristin Cherry; great-grandfather of Kai and Maia.
Bob attended St. Michael’s School. After graduating from Webster Groves High School in 1942, he enlisted in the U.S. Army. He transferred to the Army Air Corps and trained as an aerial gunner. He was sent to Italy, where he served with the 99th Bomb Group as tail gunner on a B-17. He flew 26 missions over the mountains to attack the Balkans, Rhineland, northern Apennines and Po valley. He was awarded the Air Medal with two Oak Leaf Clusters for his service.
After the war, Bob returned home and married Dorothy Heck, his high school sweetheart. Sharon was born in 1947. Bob and Dot were married until she passed in 2002.
Bob joined his father and brother as a mechanic at the family business, Soutar Motors in Webster Groves. The business moved to Old Orchard when 1-44 took their property. He owned and operated this business until he retired in 1990.
Bob was active during his retirement. He always liked flying and took flying lessons when he was 78. He continued to ride his bicycle almost every day. He died peacefully at his home surrounded by family and friends.
Service: Funeral service was Thursday, March 17, 2016, at Gerber Chapel, 23 W. Lockwood Ave., Webster Groves, Mo. 63119. Visitation was Wednesday, March 16. Memorial contributions may be made to a charity of your choice. Family and friends may sign the online guestbook at www.gerberchapel.
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