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Obituary for Robert "Bob" A. Benz, Col., USAF Ret.
Robert A. Benz Colonel, USAF, Ret. 1929-2015
It is with great sadness to announce the passing of Robert A. “Bob” Benz, a long time resident of Vacaville and retired USAF Colonel succumbing to acute myeloid leukemia.
The only son born to Oscar and Cora Benz in Highland Park, IL, Bob entered the Air Force in 1956 and achieved the rank of Colonel in 1973. His service took him all over the world, flying many transport missions supporting troops bringing much needed supplies and logistics and bringing men and women home to our great nation. He piloted many large transport aircrafts, the last one being the C-141 cargo plane. His last duty assignment was in the PENTAGON where he served as a member of a team coordinating the evacuation of South Vietnam in the Summer of 1975, the year Bob retired.
Bob was preceded by his first wife, Shirley Ann and married Elizabeth “Betty” Schropp of Oxford, Iowa in 1985 and called Vacaville “home” ever since. In retirement, Bob entered into contracting with his brother in-law, took up welding as a trade and smartly invested in real estate. He especially enjoyed traveling with Elizabeth in their RV, touring the nation and visiting with family and friends in Iowa.
Preceded by his parents and his son Bruce Benz, Bob is survived by his daughter Kathy Benz, wife Elizabeth, step-son Francis “Mike” (and Marie) Schropp, step-daughter Laurie (and John) Ballesteros along with 4 grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren of his extended family--though not related by blood--surely by the bonds that make a family strong--love and respect.
A public viewing will be held Wednesday, July 22, 5PM-8PM at McCune Garden Chapel, 212 Main St. Vacaville, followed by a military internment on Thursday, July 23 11AM at SVNC, 5810 Midway Road, Dixon, CA.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to PACE Solano, 419 Mason St. Vacaville, CA 95688.
A reception will be held at the private residence following the services.
