Robert "Bob" Godfrey Mellender was born on December 17, 1943 in Chicago, Illinois. He passed away on June 6, 2024 at the age of 80 years old after a long battle with leukemia and lung cancer.

Bob graduated from Crete-Monee High School in Illinois and attended The Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. He served more than 22 years in the United States Air Force where he flew multiple combat tours and rescue missions during the Vietnam War between the years of 1960s-1970s on a UH-1H (Huey) helicopter. He spent the majority of his military service overseas. He was stationed in multiple countries in Asia including Japan, Thailand, Vietnam; including places in Europe and North America. He held a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Air Force Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) license and FAA Inspector Authorization (IA). He taught aviation courses while in Asia. He was also a charter member of the Experimental Aviation Group in Japan. His final tour was in southern Nevada where he and his wife spent 37 years. He also worked at EG&G on Nellis AFB in Nevada for over 10 years. Bob and his wife moved to New Braunfels, Texas near his daughters during his final years.

Bob was an amazing father, husband, grandpa, and friend who was loved by many. He helped a lot of people and changed their lives for the better, especially the U.S. Veterans which he called the "Home Boys."

Bob was an intelligent and curious man. He was the family's encyclopedia when it came to U.S. and World histories. He loved to watch the news while enjoying his massage chair and donuts. He also loved to go to Buttermilk in New Braunfels.

Bob is survived by his wife, Ludivina, and their children, Alona, Pinky, Donna, Victoria, and Dilon; the children's spouses Terry, Dodjie, Randy, and Joan; Bob's sisters, Kathleen and Sharon; his nieces and nephews, and ten grand children; and his pets Brad, Jo Jo, and Cub. Preceded in death by his brother Dennis, sisters, Pennie and Ruth-Ann; and his parents, Cora-Mae and Philip.

A Catholic Mass will be held on Tuesday, June 11, 2024 at 10:00am at Saints Peter & Paul Catholic Church, and a second and interment service will be held at 12:00 PM on July 18, 2024 at the Southern Nevada Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Henderson, Nevada to celebrate his life and legacy and honor his military service. Details are forthcoming.

For memorial contributions, please contact the family.

A life well lived is a precious gift
Of hope and strength and grace,
From someone who has made our world
A brighter, better place
It's filled with moments, sweet and sad
With smiles and sometimes tears,
With friendships formed and good times shared
And laughter through the years.
A life well lived is a legacy
Of joy and pride and pleasure,
A living, lasting memory
Our grateful hearts will treasure

Author Unknown

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