Robert Lee Privett, passed away on May 5, 2016. Bob was born ion July 14, 1943 in Pueblo, CO to Roy Privett and Florence (Davis) Privett. He graduated from Pueblo South High School in 1961, attended Colorado State College in Greeley, Colorado, graduating in 1966 with a BA in Business Administration. While attending CSC, he was a member of the Sigma Chi fraternity, the Air Force ROTC, and the CSC marching band. He married Susan Pedersen at First Lutheran Church in Kearney, NE on March 19, 1965. Upon graduation, he entered the United States Air Force. He completed his pilot training at Vance AFB, Oklahoma in 1967. His first duty station was Travis AFB, California, then Shaw AFB, South Carolina. In May 1970 he was sent to Udorn RTAFB in Thailand, flying 146 combat missions over North and South Vietnam in the RF-4CPhantom II aircraft. In February 1971, he separated from the US Air Force. Bob and Sue moved to Omaha, NE with their two children, Rob and Tabitha. Bob was high school teacher before entering the surety bond business. He worked at Aetna Insurance as an underwriter prior to his employment with Universal Surety Company in Lincoln NE. He retired from Universal Surety in 2005 as Vice-President. Bob served in the Nebraska Air National Guard as a pilot, flight commander, squadron commander, Deputy Commander of Operations and Assistant Adjutant General for Air, retiring with the rank of Brigadier General in 1995 with nearly 30 years of military service and over 2,000 flying hours in the RF-4C. In 2008, Bob and Sue relocated to Mesa, AZ to be closer to their children and grandchildren. Throughout his life Bob enjoyed flying, golfing, making golf clubs, fishing, bicycle riding and spending time with his grandkids. He was a very active member at Victory Lutheran Church in Mesa, Arizona. Bob was preceded in death by his parents, Roy and Florence. He is survived by his wife, Sue, their son, Rob (Bryna), daughter, Tabitha (Beau) and five grandchildren: Braden, Aaron, Emma, Hannah, and Seem.
A celebration of Bob’s life will be held on Thursday, October 13, 2016 at Victory Lutheran Church, 5946 E. University Drive in Mesa at 2:00 pm with Pastor Larry Kassebaum officiating. Inurnment will be held at the Victory Lutheran Church Columbarium.
The Privett family wishes to thank the hospital staffs at Mercy Gilbert Medical Center, Banner Baywood Medical Center and the Lund House for their exceptional and loving care. In lieu of flowers a memorial donation may be made in honor of Bob to the Victory Lutheran Church Foundation, 5946 East University Drive, Mesa, AZ 85205.