EXTREMELY SHORT NOTICE: CONFIRMED: Robert Allen Masters, Veteran, US Navy, WWII (225-24) 2 Nov 24
2102 N Loop 1604 E
San Antonio, TX 78232
USA
“VERY SHORT NOTICE”
US NAVY VETERAN – WWII
The family of Mr. Robert Allen Masters, a US Navy Veteran, requests the presence and participation of the San Antonio Patriot Guard at the services and LEO supported procession, and graveside rendering of military honors of their loved one. We are honored to accept this invitation.
Robert “Bob” Allen Masters passed away peacefully at the age of 99 in the early morning hours of October 24, 2024 at Hilltop Village Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Kerrville, Texas. He was born on August 30, 1925 in Akron, Ohio to the late Franklyn Everett Masters and Kathleen McGowan Masters. Bob was the youngest of three siblings, with his brother Frank Jr. and sister Mary Jane also having passed away. His caring wife of 54 years, Mary, also preceded him in 2006. He is survived by his loving son, Stephen “Steve” Allen Masters, and wife Sharon, along with several beloved nieces and nephews who held a special place in his heart.
Bob’s birth came with a remarkable story that earned him the nickname “Shenandoah Baby” by the media. His father, a Naval serviceman, had planned to parachute out of the Shenandoah airship over Akron to accompany Kathleen to the hospital for Bob’s birth. However, Bob arrived a few days early, and the Shenandoah got caught in a thunderstorm and broke apart and crashed. Franklyn played a heroic role in saving lives during that crisis, and as a result of the circumstances surrounding his arrival, baby Bobby became known as the “Shenandoah Baby.”
From an early age, Bob demonstrated an entrepreneurial spirit. As a young boy, he raised rabbits, selling their meat and pelts. After moving to Los Angeles as a teenager, he ran a paper route, saving enough money to buy his own Model T. Other jobs led to various brushes with Hollywood elite. Notably, he once sailed Errol Flynn’s yacht, the “Black Swan,” from Catalina Island to Santa Monica, and worked at Westwood Village Cadillac, where he experienced an automatic transmission for the first time driving Betty Grable’s Cadillac. His last encounter with Hollywood was working at a liquor store frequented by Glenn Ford.
In June 1943, amidst the escalating turmoil of World War II, Bob made the bold decision to leave high school early and enlist in the Navy, following in his father’s footsteps. He completed boot camp at Farragut Naval Training Station in Idaho and then attended radio school at the University of Wisconsin before moving on to gunnery school in the Great Lakes region. Bob was assigned to the newly constructed Landing Ship Tank (LST) 601, which joined a convoy of 103 ships headed for Palermo, Italy, where he would serve throughout the war. He affectionately referred to his ship as the “Delivery Service of the Mediterranean,” transporting supplies, tanks, prisoners, and the wounded. As a Radioman, second class, he managed vital communications that ensured safe deliveries along the coasts of France, Italy, and North Africa. He often reminisced about the camaraderie among the sailors and the mischievous adventures they embarked upon such as the “Rat Line Liberty,” where they would shimmy down the bow line and sneak into the city. Bob said it was a “good duty”, even though a German airplane would interrupt their gourmet breakfast of powdered eggs and Spam every morning…it was much worse cold. After three years of service, Bob was honorably discharged on March 13, 1946.
Following the war, Bob returned to Los Angeles and completed his education, graduating from Santa Monica High School in 1947. That summer, his father connected him with a friend who owned The Lucky Seven ranch near Winnemucca, Nevada, where Bob enjoyed working as a ranch hand, baling hay, herding cattle, and driving a new Army surplus Jeep. Upon returning to Los Angeles, he began his career as a delivery driver for UPS.
Bob’s life took a significant turn when he met Mary Teresa Griffitts around 1949 on a winter ski trip. Despite initially bringing another date, Bob quickly realized that no one could match Mary’s skiing prowess or her fried chicken! They married on February 23, 1952. Shortly after their wedding, Bob’s entrepreneurial spirit led them to San Antonio, where they started a local delivery company, Consolidated Parcel Service. Bob sold his beloved Woody car to fund the venture, and in their first month, the business grossed just $29. To make ends meet, he worked evenings at HEB for $0.60 an hour. Eventually Bob and Mary built Consolidated Parcel Service to the largest delivery service in San Antonio with “radio dispatched trucks”—a big deal in the 1960’s. Coincidently, Bob’s passing on 10/24 matches the radio communication code 10-24 meaning “Assignment Complete.”
As they discussed starting a family, Mary expressed a desire for twelve children. Each time she mentioned it, Bob would buy a new work truck! After initially believing they would not have children, they moved into an “adult only” apartment, but soon after, Mary became pregnant. In late 1963, they bought their forever home at 120 Wagon Trail in Shavano Park, Texas, and welcomed their son, Stephen, on February 21, 1964.
Bob built lasting friendships with many of his customers, leading to decades of camaraderie filled with hunting trips, lake house visits, water skiing, airplanes, and shared adventures. He became involved in various local activities, including local business clubs, riding horses with a group of Charros, shooting skeet competitively with the San Antonio Gun Club, and lunching at The San Jacinto Club, as well as serving in the Civil Air Patrol. However, Consolidated Parcel faced challenges when an incident involving some of his drivers horsing around in a truck nearly cost them everything. Lawyers took their trucks, equipment, and even furniture, forcing Bob to reset the business, bring in a partner investor and rename it Consolidated Delivery Service. The Lawyers even put a lean against his home, but, humorously…. he outlived them all! With a new partner who had been a long-time employee, they successfully rebuilt the business and sold it to Bee Line Delivery Service of Houston.
Bob’s retirement at age 82 was anything but quiet. He stayed connected to his former business by operating vending machines at Bee Line and enjoyed weekly breakfasts with his old friend/business partner. His status as a WWII veteran led him to be recognized by the Alamo Honor Flight, affectionately known as “The Red Shirts.” Thanks to their generous donors and volunteers, Bob made many new friends while participating in numerous activities, including monthly breakfast meetings, Thanksgiving and Christmas parties, attending air shows, and memorable trips to the WWII monument in Washington, DC, and twice to the WWII Museum in New Orleans through the Gary Sinise Foundation. He was even scheduled for a second visit to the WWII monument this December.
In his later years, Bob found joy in the company of his neighbors and his dog, Miley, engaging in yard work, bowling, and various projects, always with an eye toward doing things as cheaply as possible (if you know, you know)! As time passed, he faced challenges with stamina, eyesight, hearing, balance, and driving, leading him to move into a delightful independent living apartment close to Steve’s workplace, allowing for near daily visits. Fortunately, he was quickly adopted by a fellow resident who cared for his every need.
Bob’s passing leaves an empty spot in the hearts of all who cherished his companionship. Rest in peace, Bob. Your legacy of love, friendship, and resilience will forever be remembered.
WEATHER: Hi 84 / Lo 73, 30 % Chance of Rain, 95 % Humidity, Wind: 7 mph E
REQUESTOR: Cindy Apple, Family SPOX
STAGING: 10:00 am, Saturday, November 2, 2024
Porter Loring Mortuaries North
2102 N Loop-1604E
San Antonio, Texas 78232
https://goo.gl/maps/QqJh7Wi49EGft5Zh9
BRIEFING: 10:15 am
SERVICE: 11:00 am
Porter Loring Mortuaries North
2102 N Loop-1604E
San Antonio, Texas 78232
https://goo.gl/maps/QqJh7Wi49EGft5Zh9
KSU: 11:45 pm (Semper Gumby)
INTERMENT: 12:30 pm
Mission Burial Park North
20900 IH 10 West
San Antonio, Texas 78257
https://goo.gl/maps/FULbFBCevMx
RC: Lisa “Fancy Pants” Menard
pgr.lisamenard@gmail.com
FC: Richard “Bean” Sandoval
Richardsandoval196@hotmail.com
ADDITIONAL INSTRUCTIONS
1. Iron horses if you can, cages are always welcome and appreciated and unless under special circumstances not allowed in processions. You do not have to have a motorcycle to participate in honoring our veterans.
2. Safety First: Please remember to properly hydrate (including the night before) before any outdoor activity and to dress appropriately. Do not hesitate to take a break at any time if you feel you need to get in the shade or get indoors and always ask for help at any time. Also please do not forget your sun screen.
3. Please remember that our mission is to stand tall and silent, and with honor and. NO TALKING, SMOKING, CHEWING OF TOBACCO PRODUCTS, OR CELL PHONE USE IN THE FLAG LINE!
***Safety Notice***
Before volunteering and/or attending any San Antonio Patriot Guard Riders missions we encourage you to review all safety information below. Included are some potential safety concerns to be aware of, however this does not include the full scope of all potential hazards. Anyone attending any San Antonio Patriot Guard Riders mission understands that they do so at their own risk. Neither the Patriot Guard Riders Organization nor its representatives are liable for any damages incurred on any PGR mission or event.
Funeral Processions/Escorts
EVERY RIDER IS SOLELY RESPONSIBLE for their own safety at all times while riding in a funeral procession.
At NO TIME are any riders authorized to block any intersection or otherwise block or impede traffic laws in any way. Only Law Enforcement officials are authorized to block and/or impeded the lawful flow of traffic.
If you choose to fly a Flag on your bike you are SOLELY RESPONSIBLE for ensuring it is secured and not a danger to any other rider or traffic.
Warm Regards,
Bob “Pizza Man” Johnson
Asst. State Captain
Deputy State Captain
San Antonio Patriot Guard
Dignity, Honor, Respect
Cell: 562-413-2223
“We can’t all be heroes. Some of us get to stand on the curb and clap as they go by.”
Will Rogers