Capt. Robert Juarez's Obituary
Robert Juarez passed away February 17, 2011, at the age of 89. Bob was born on May 4, 1921, and was one of 4 children. He grew up in Springfield, Illinois and graduated from Lanphier High School, where he was active in the orchestra, band and choir. He went to Illinois State Normal University where he met his bride-to-be, Iola Stoops. He later finished his education at the University of Maryland where he earned his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees. When World War II broke out, Bob enlisted in Naval Officer’s Training while in college, qualified as a dive bomber pilot, and later became an instructor to train pilots and flew during World War II.
He and Iola married in Pensacola, Florida, in 1944, and began their lives in the military where Bob continued to serve for 35 years as an officer and captain aboard numerous naval vessels, in the Pentagon, and for the United Nations in Korea. Upon his retirement, Bob was active in the Northern Virginia Retired Officer’s Association, and served as its president, and was active at his church, Providence Presbyterian Church of Fairfax, VA.
Robert is survived by 2 daughters and sons in law: Lana and her husband Ronnie Clifford, of Blacksburg, VA and Juanita and her husband William Taylor of Richfield, OH; brother and sister-in-law: Peter and Sandra Juarez of Nashville, TN; sister: Cecila Dart of Springfield, IL; sister-in-law: Mavis Juarez of Seattle, Washington; brother and sister-in-law: Wayne and Charlotte Stoops of Cooksville, IL; sister-in-law: Marion Stoops of Bloomington, IL and brother-in-law: Alfred Stoops of LeRoy, IL.
Robert was predeceased by his wife, Anna Iola (Stoops) Juarez who died Sept. 6, 2006, and brother Jess C. Juarez.
Bob has been a resident of Falcon’s Landing in Sterling, VA since 1997, was active in the choir and various committees, and will be remembered for his friendly smile, his daily morning 2-3 mile runs, and his laughter. He and Iola celebrated their 60th Anniversary at Falcon’s Landing with a reception in which Bob sang “It Had to Be You” to his “bride”.
Graveside services and interment will be held on June 22, 2011 at 11 am, at Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington , VA.
A memorial service will be on June 22, 2011 at 2 pm at the Falcons Landing Chapel, and a reception following.
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