Robert was a 17th Bomb Group B-26 Pilot-Veteran of WWII, Korea (and still 'in service' during the Viet Nam War). Photo's and stories coming from his proud son, Robert "Bob" E Shank, Jr.

Lt Shank would also become a CMSgt, he knew his men and he knew how to FLY!

"Keep 'em Flying" Lt Shank!

Chief Master Sgt. Robert Earl Shank Nov. 5, 1921 - Sept. 26, 2004

Chief Master Sgt. Robert Earl Shank, 82, of Sierra VIsta passed away Sunday, Sept. 26, 2004.

Robert was born in Letart Falls, Ohio on Nov. 5, 1921.

He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Allegra Lee Fadely; four sons,
Robert Earl Jr., Thomas Eric, Wayne Sidney and Jan Lance; and a daughter,
Allegra (Alex) Leona; He was preceded in death by a son, Lowell Lewis.

A career Air Force enlisted man, 1st Lt. Bob Shank became a pilot from the
beginning. After extensive training in Texas and Florida, at 21 he was ultimately
assigned pilot-in-command of a seven-man B-26 bomber crew fighting in the
Mediterranean theatre out of Sardinia. Shot down after "delivering the pizza" over Bergamo-Seriate Aerodrome, he survived the German Stalag Luft III and Stalag Luft VII prison camps, and was
eventually liberated by Patton's 14th Armored Division in April, 1945. He was much decorated.

After WWII, Bob became the NCOIC of the 99th Field Maintenance Squadron, of the 99th Bomb Wing, 8th Air Force at Westover AFB, Mass. maintaining B-52 bombers.

Retired in June, 1963, he moved the family to Tucson, Ariz., where his wife Allegra continued her teaching career until her retirement.

Born Again, Mother's Day, 1993, he was a member of Casas Adobes Baptist Church, Tucson, and Thunder Mountain Community Church, Sierra Vista.

Revered for his integrity and leadership by his air crews in combat, respected by his civilian employers and much loved by family and friends, Bob Shank was a dedicated family man and loving husband.

His favorite charities were the Marshall Foundation for Men and the Goodwill organization.

His immediate and deeply-extended family - including great-granddaughter Salena Meske, grandchildren Sarah Leann Shank, Randee Lee Meske, Tawna LeeAnn Nicoll, Katie Lynn Shank, Amelia Marie and Joseph Daniel Shank - are forever grateful of his devotion and faithfulness.

His long-time, next-door and faithful neighbors, Sal and Lyda Garcia, the parents of his son-in-law and extant grandchildren, celebrate his sunny day' expectations.

*** Peace was his profession - and now his possession. ***

Arrangements entrusted to Jensen's Sierra Vista Mortuary, Arizona.

Robert E Shank