Robert Willie Fralix

Robert (Bob) W. Fralix was born in Grover, South Carolina (Dorchester County) on June 1, 1930

to parents Irvin E. Fralix and Hannah Gruber Fralix. Robert grew up in St. George, South

Carolina, graduated from State High School and then enlisted in the United States Navy in

1947. Roberts aviation career spanned from piston engines to the beginning of the jet age. He

maintained and repaired Navy piston and jet attack aircraft and fighters, while serving on

numerous Aircraft Carriers. He finished his military career working on B-52’s and C-130 aircraft.

Robert was the Maintenance Crew Chief with the C-130 squadron that transported Bob Hope

and various entertainers of the USO tour throughout Vietnam in 1966.

Robert traveled throughout Europe, Asia and the United States, until he found his sweetheart

Jo Beth Van Damme while stationed at Kirtland Air Force Base in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

Robert and JoBeth were married October 20, 1956 and settled down in Albuquerque, at this

time he decided to switch his military career from the Navy to the Air Force so he would not

have to leave his family. Robert and JoBeth had 3 children - Robert Joseph born September 4,

1957, David Leo born January 1, 1961 and Elizabeth Ann born July 5, 1962.

After Robert retired from the Air Force he started his second career as a manager at Sears

Automotive. He retired from this position in 1984.

Robert enjoyed the great outdoors in New Mexico. He enjoyed hunting mule deer and fishing

rivers and streams in Northern New Mexico for trout. The Rio Chama, San Antonio and Rio

Grande rivers were his favorites fishing spots. He also enjoyed taking pictures at Bosque del

Apache, and spending time with his family and friends at his camper on El Vado Lake.

Robert had 3 grandchildren that he loved and enjoyed spending time watching them grow up -

Mark Dritt (28), Indianapolis, Indiana; Rebecca Dritt (25), Cincinnati, Ohio and Hannah Fralix

(21), Albuquerque, New Mexico.

Robert enjoyed spending time with his wife, children, grandchildren, extended family and friends

over the years. Robert will be dearly missed by his family as well as by the so many friends

whose lives he has touched over the years. His love for his family will he held in our hearts

forever.

A memorial service and celebration will be held at the Church of Incarnation, 2309 Monterrey

Rd N.E, Rio Rancho, New Mexico 87144 on August 6th at 11:00 a.m. Following the service, an

open house will be held at 3516 North Pole Loop N.E., Rio Rancho, New Mexico 87144, all

family and friends are invited to stop by and celebrate Roberts life.

A military burial will be held at Santa Fe National Cemetery on August 7th at 11:15.

505-892-9920