100-Year-Old WWII Veteran Bob Shawn Dies

HERNDON, VA — A life that spanned a century concluded on Sunday, May 24, when Robert A. Shawn passed away peacefully at home with his wife Julia by his side. Known to many as “Colonel Bob,” he was born on May 6th, 1920 in Bronx, NY. Bob was a pilot with the U.S. Army Air Corps in WWII, and finished his career as a colonel in the U.S. Air Force with 328 combat missions over three wars. Bob was also active in VFW Post 1177, the Wayne M. Kidwell American Legion Post 184, Guiding Star-Angle Masonic Lodge #565 (75 years), Col Reuben H Tucker Chapter - 82nd Airborne Division Association, the Military Vehicle Collectors Association, the Capital Wing of the Airman’s Preservation Society, and was a volunteer for the Herndon Police Department.

Recently, for Bob’s 100th birthday on May 6, over 120 vehicles containing friends and supporters were escorted past his house by the Herndon and Fairfax County Police, Fire and EMS.

Bob was predeceased by his parents, his wife of 58 years, Emily, and his two brothers, Gil and Jay. He is survived by his wife of 10 years, Julia (Herndon), his son, William and wife Glenna (Washington, D.C.), daughters Tracy (New Jersey) and Victoria Walker and husband Robert (Rixeyville) as well as grandchildren Hamilton, Kristen, Mason, Reagan, Laurel, Brandon and Grace and six great grandchildren.

Funeral services will be announced by the Adams-Green Funeral Home in Herndon with interment following at Arlington National Cemetery. Information and condolences www.adamsgreen.com

Also see ...

Herndon Gives 100-Year-Old WWII Veteran Birthday Parade