Robert Gilmore Kiess

Robert Gilmore Kiess, 89, of 510 S. Main St., Muncy, died Monday, March 26, 2012 at the Muncy Valley Hospital.

Born April 22, 1922 in Philadelphia, he was the son of Clyde Gorr and Grace Mildred (Lemon) Kiess. His wife, the former Francine Pealer, died Sept. 20, 1976.

Bob was a 1940 graduate of Muncy High School and also received a degree from the University of Minnesota.

Following his military service during World War II as a glider pilot with the U.S. Army Air Corps, he worked with his father as Vice President at their family business, Hughesville Machine & Tool. He later returned to active duty in the Army 1st A Cavalry and served two tours of duty in Vietnam. Bob was the recipient of the Distinquished Flying Cross as a result of flying over 600 missions in hostile territory over the Ia drang Valley, Vietnam. Late in his Army career he worked with the Force Command at the Fulton County, Atlanta, airport, and retired after 35 years of service to his country.

Bob was a member of St. James Episcopal Church, Muncy, where he served as an acolyte in his youth. He was also a member of Muncy Lodge 299 F&AM and a 60-year member of the Williamsport Consistory. In addition he maintained memberships with the Edward J. Smith Post 3428 V.F.W., Muncy, and the Muncy Valley Loyal Order of Moose Lodge 866.

Surviving are three sons, Robert G. Kiess II of Douglasville, GA, Clyde G. Kiess of Kennesaw, GA, and John G. Kiess of Montoursville; one daughter, Robin G. Kiess of Williamsport; two sisters, Grace Pfleegor of Muncy and Molly Young and husband Skip of State College; four grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.

In addition to his wife and parents he was predeceased by two sisters, Cynthia Thompson and Joan Schoch; and one grandson, Billy Kiess.

The funeral was held at 1 p.m. on Friday, March 30, at St. James Episcopal Church, 215 S. Main St., Muncy. Officiating was his pastor, Rev. David Culbertson. Burial with full military honors followed in Muncy Cemetery.

Friends were received from 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday at Grenoble’s, 121 S. Main St., Muncy, where a Masonic service was held at 8:45 p.m.

The family provided the flowers and suggests memorial contributions be made to St. James Episcopal Church, P. O. Box 95, 215 S. Main St., Muncy.

Expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.grenoblefuneralhome.com