670th BS Patch

416th Bombardment Group (L)

Robert James "Bob" Kehres

Capt, Engineering Officer

December 19, 1915 - July 11, 2019

670th Bombardment Squadron (L)

WWII-Medal

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Robert Kehres



Robert James Kehres
December 19, 1915 - July 11, 2019

Robert James Kehres (103) died peacefully in Magnolia, AR on July 11, 2019. He was a veteran of World War II. Born in Perry Oklahoma on December 19, 1915, he was the son of Walter and Violet (Mouser) Kehres. Bob attended St. Rose of Lima Catholic School and graduated from Oklahoma University with a degree in Petroleum engineering. He joined the U.S. Army (Air Corps) in November 1942 and received a commission as a 2nd Lieutenant. He was assigned to the 416th Bomb Group as an Engineering Officer and saw action in the European Theater where he was elevated to the rank of Captain.

It was during wartime that Bob married his loving wife, Dorothy Beene. They were married for 58 years. After serving his country, Bob accepted a job with Berry Petroleum in Southern Arkansas. It was then that he and Dorothy decided to call Magnolia home. In addition to Bob’s love for God and family, he had a special bond with his 416th comrades and always looked forward to their annual reunions held across the country. He was excited about the upcoming October 2019 reunion and without a doubt, will be there in spirit.

Bob is preceded in death by his parents, his wife, and two brothers, Walter and Paul. He is survived by his nephew Walter James Kehres (Phyllis) of Bryantown, Maryland and many great nieces and nephews. Services will be held at the Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church, Magnolia, AR on July 20, 2019 at 10:00 a.m. Bob will be interred at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Virginia. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the 416th Bomb Group, 52 4th Street, Gainesville, Missouri 65655.

(On-line: go to 416th.com and click donation)

Additional details at Lewis Funeral Home Online Obituary  (PDF) and Online Tribute Wall



See also:
Bob Kehres Photo Collection

Video slideshow of past 416th BG Reunion photos in honor of Bob Kehres 100th Birthday.
Published December 17, 2015 by Wayne Sayles.



Magnolia Banner News Articles

103-year-old Magnolia resident, WWII vet passes away (PDF)
by J.D. Bailey, July 14, 2019

102-year-old WWII vet still makes unit reunions (PDF)
by J.D. Bailey, November 8, 2018