Obituary of Robert Charters

Robert "Bob" Lemule Charters was born April 5, 1941 in Boise, ID to Robert W. and Goldie (Chapman) Charters. He spent the first four years on his Grandfather's ranch in Garden Valley, ID. Bob graduated from the 8th grade in Melba, ID and graduated high school in Emmett, ID. He joined the Idaho Army National Guard in December, 1959 and did his six months basic training at Fort Ord, CA. He graduated from the NCO academy, The Idaho Military Academy, Armor Officers Orientation Course and the Army Helicopter Flight School. Returning to Mineral Wells, TX at Camp Walters. TX as a helicopter flight instructor with Southern Airways. He was then hired by Air America as a civilian helicopter pilot in Vietnam and Laos. Bob flew in Kwajalein, Marshall Islands, Alaska on the pipeline, and northern western states on forest fires. He also flew in Burma, Indonesia for oil exploration and Thailand before returning back to Idaho and rejoining the Idaho Army National Guard retiring with 27 years of service. Bob was hired by the U. S. Postal Service retiring after 22 years of service. He married Jane Myrick in August, 1963 and one son was born to this union. They later divorced. Bob met Phyllis Barber at a dance and they married in Idaho City, Idaho in 1984. Bob's Son and Phyllis' Son were Best Men and Phyllis' Daughter was Maid of Honor. They honeymooned in Seattle and the Vancouver B.C. area exploring the San Juan Islands. Bob enjoyed flying, a lifelong love and golfing which he took up at the age of 49 and was never a threat to Greg Norman. He enjoyed doing things for people, hearing and telling jokes as well as attending the Air America reunions held in a different state every year whenever it was possible. Bob loved doing things with his wife especially golfing and traveling. His greatest delight was his five Grandchildren; Bradley, Jake, Jordan, Peyton and McCall. Bob fulfilled his dream and joined the Masonic Lodge Oriental # 60, Scottish Rite Bodies, and the El Korah Shrine in 1979 and later the Meridian Masonic Lodge # 47. Bob was President of the Greeters, held a position on the Divan and later was appointed Ambassador for the Shrine. He was preceded in death by his Parents, Bob and Goldie Charters, Brothers Edgar and Randy. He is survived by his Wife, Phyllis, Son Brandt Charters (Jill), Grandsons; Bradley and Jake, Son by Marriage Michael Scott Barber, Granddaughters; Jordan, and McCall, Daughter by Marriage, Sandi Anders, Granddaughter, Peyton Anders Glover. His Brother Richard Charters (Barbara), Sister-in-Law, Linda Charters, many Nieces and Nephews. Bob died June 6, 2012 at his home in Nampa. He fought an eleven year battle with cancer and would like to thank Dr. Jonathan Swerdloff, Dr. Sarah Bolender, Dr. Frank Johnson, and Dr. Marshall Priest for the excellent care he received over the years. He would also like to thank the MSTI nurses at St. Luke's who took such good care of him. He enjoyed the Warhawk Air Museum, his membership in the QB's, his many friends John Tuso, Sandy Sanders, Roland and Barbara Bright, Dennis Charters, Larry Bates, the neighbors of the Greens at Ridgecrest who helped him a lot, and his many numerous friends at the Shrine, in the military and post office. He will be missed by his three Pugs; Chopper, Dolly and Kaylee. A memorial service will be Monday, June 11, 2012 at 10:00 a.m. at Summers Funeral Home, 1205 W. Bannock Street, Boise. A reception will follow at the El Korah Shrine Temple. Inurnment services will be at 2:00 p.m. at the Idaho State Veterans Cemetery. Donations may be made to the Shrine Hospital for Children or the Warhawk Air Museum.