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<p><em>Robert Lee Massie Sr.</em>, the cherished son of Karen Elizabeth (Kaiser), was born December 26, 1960 at Laughlin Air Force Base, Del Rio, TX. Charles Lee Massie adopted him as a teenager. Bob graduated from University City Senior High School in St. Louis, MO, where, in addition to his stellar academic achievements, he excelled as a member of the soccer and golf teams. He also participated in extracurricular activities, including the German club, “Soundman at the Spring Show,” and as a yearbook copy editor. Bob was, by all accounts, an outstanding student. Bob received his nomination to USMA from Congressman Robert A. Young of Missouri’s 2nd District.</p>
<p>Entering West Point in the summer of 1979 with the Class of 1983 and eventually settling in as a member of the A-4 “Apaches,” Bob ascended to cadet lieutenant. As one might expect, given his affinity for copywriting and previous yearbook experience, he was a stalwart on the Howitzer staff. (Dave Bruder recalls how much Bob, a connoisseur of the written word, “loved the English comma.”) As a cadet, Bob proudly participated in the Protestant Chapel Choir, the Cadet Fine Arts Forum, and the “Proud to Be ’83” (PTB83) Class Committee.</p>
<p>Borrowing heavily from his high school experience, Bob plied his trade as a yearbook craftsman of the first order. One cannot overstate the value of his contributions as a member of the Howitzer staff over the four years we spent at our Rockbound Highland Home. In particular, thanks in no small measure to Bob’s outsized efforts, the 1983 Howitzer “pays tribute to the graduating class and remains an integral part of the class’s enduring legacy at West Point.” Ever fond of his roots in the “Show Me State,” Bob’s cries of “St. Louis!” could be heard as he drove out the gate post-graduation, headed to his parents’ new home in Belleville, IL. </p>
<p>Pursuing his interest in flying, Bob branched Transportation and Aviation. His 30-year Army career took off on a successful heading as he first graduated on the commandant’s list from the Transportation Officer Basic Course in November 1983. He went on to Fort Rucker, AL, where he completed flight school in 1984. He proceeded to the Aviation Officer Maintenance Course, where he was the top of his class. After his initial assignments in Honduras and at Fort Riley, KS, Bob joined members of the class again at Fort Rucker in 1987 for the Aviation Officer Advanced Course. Upon completion, he reported to Schofield Barracks, HI for his captain time. Bob’s passion led him to test-flying as an aviation maintenance officer, an anomaly in aviation. Eschewed by most pilots, test-flying became Bob’s stock-in-trade, making him unique among Army aviators. </p>
<p>Kelly Morningstar, an armor officer at Fort Riley in 1987, fondly recalls joining Bob in the Huey cockpit. Together, the two happily circumnavigated the post while Bob flew as a single pilot. He recounts a “hair-raising” story of Bob “lowering a shield over his face like Luke Skywalker learning to use the force and saying, ‘Now I can’t see a damn thing, let me know if anything bad is happening.’” Kelly’s life passed before his eyes as he “suddenly pictured the two of us doing all the stupid things we did at West Point and thought, what the hell are we doing 1,000 feet over Kansas in the dark?” Kelly then says, “Bob assured me that he could [still] see the gauges, and this was part of a normal test. I never flew with Bob again, but I never saw him happier.” </p>
<p>Bob’s booming voice and larger-than-life personality made him so memorable to those who knew him. It also endeared him to his Apaches companymates, PTB83 classmates, and fellow soldiers. Yes, especially when cheering his beloved St. Louis Cardinals or singing along with Billy Joel, Bob, always the character, could be pretty vocal. John Cannizzaro remembers that Bob could be loud when navigating heavy traffic in 1981 during cadet flight orientation: “[His] ‘command voice’ still reverberates in my memory.” </p>
<p>Bob was most vocal when bragging about his two sons, Robert (Robby) Lee Massie Jr. and Daniel (Danny) Joseph Woodson Massie. When discussing them, Bob would beam with pride. </p>
<p>It was Bob Massie himself to whom the self-effacing Bob often directed his unique brand of humor. For example, fellow Apaches will always remember his profound disappointment at his second-place finish in the ‘Bob Massie Imitation Contest.’ His Howitzer entry adds, “He seems to have forgotten that imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.” </p>
<p>Colonel Robert Lee Massie Sr. (USAR, Retired), age 63, of Belleville, IL, died suddenly August 14, 2024 at his residence. A memorial service was held on Friday, September 6, at St. George’s Episcopal Church. A celebration of Bob’s “life well lived” took place at Civil Life Brewery, attended by nearly a platoon of West Pointers toasting a dear friend and classmate. In addition to his wife, Nicki, and his sons, Robby and Danny, Bob is survived by a brother, Scott Massie, and by nieces and nephews. His first grandchild, Emily, was born in December 2024.</p>
<p>Judging by the number of family, friends, PTB83 classmates, work colleagues, Cardinals fans, Facebook friends, and fellow classic car enthusiasts attending Bob’s memorial service, no one can question Bob’s popularity. He was an exceptional father and loyal friend. </p>
<p>“And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’” — <em>Matthew </em>22:39</p>
<p><em>— Classmates</em></p>
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