Robert Lee Bills, born October 3, 1942 in Manhattan, Kansas to Albert Mark and Elizabeth Jane Bills, went to the Lord on April 19, 2012, after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer.
Robert “Bob” leaves behind his beloved wife, Barbara, of thirty seven years. He is also survived by his brother: Jerry; his nephews: David (Rose) Bills; Michael (Kathie) Bills; and Edward “Ted” (Paula) Bills; and his niece: Ashley (Tom) Simmons. His extended family includes four brothers-in-law and their wives; two sisters-in-law and their husbands; numerous nieces and nephews; and many, many friends all over the world. He also leaves his “woodworking buddy” Lincoln Bills.
Robert was first of all a Marine and served his country for four years, including Vietnam. He was most proud of this. While in the Marine Corps, he went through the U.S. Naval School of Photography becoming an Aerial Reconnaissance Combat Photographer. His lifelong career was that of a Professional Residential Real Estate Appraiser for the Veterans Administration.
Bob always called himself an almost native of Colorado, having lived in and around Colorado Springs for over 60 years. He always had a big smile for everyone he greeted and truly loved the people he met and knew.
Bob loved a good time, had a great sense of humor, enjoyed a practical joke, and overall was always ready for a new adventure.
Bob’s many talents included water skiing, sailing, scuba diving, master wood turner, and photography. His love of photography led him to touch the lives of family, numerous friends, Al Kaly Shrine, and the AMR Porsche Club.
Bob was an active Mason, in Lodge 13, and a lead photographer for Al Kaly Shrine. He was also a member of “The Elite” and “Mule Train” for Al Kaly Shrine.
The world will surely miss the beauty of his smile.
A celebration of his life will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, April 24, 2012 at the Shrine of Remembrance “America the Beautiful” Chapel. A reception will follow at the Olympian Plaza Reception and Event Center.
Donations may be made in his name to the Al Kaly Shrine Transportation Fund, P.O. Box 193, Pueblo, Colorado 81002 or to the Pikes Peak Hospice and Palliative Care Foundation, 825 East Pikes Peak Avenue, Suite 600, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80903.