Robert "Bob" Varnell Bryan

Robert Varnell Bryan Robert (Bob) was born September 9th 1950, in Akron Ohio. to Vurland and Gertrude Bryan. His Dad was in the U.S. Army, which required many moves in his lifetime, his first overseas home was in Japan. Robert later moved to Athens GA, Chattanooga TN, and Chicago IL. He finished his H.S. years in Strongsville Ohio graduating at the top of his class. In 1969 he joined the U.S.A.F. and trained in Air Traffic Control. Bob's first duty station was Kadena, Okinawa Japan, he spent 2 years there before his next assignment to Altus AFB, OK. It was on one of his many T.D.Y. assignments that I met him. It was in a cozy little restaurant named Earl's in Victorville, CA. Our first date was on the 24th of July 1975, and we sure got along great. Shortly after we went off to Las Vegas, NV and married at the Candlelight Wedding Chapel on August 16, 1975. Our life together began in Altus, OK. Shortly after, we were stationed in Yokota AB, Japan. Robert was assigned to RAPCON as a controller/Instructor, winning many awards, and making lifelong friends; he played on the squadron baseball team, organized squadron awards ceremonies, and had a rapport with the Japanese controllers of a nearby base. Best of all, during our time there, our oldest son Craig was born on the 4th of Jan. 1980. However, after 6 years in Japan it was time to move on. Our next assignment was McGuire AFB, NJ, from 1982 to 1983. Then, came a remote to Incirlik AB, Turkey and finally leaving there for Zweibruuken AB, Germany in 1984. At Zweibruuken, he was Chief controller of Tower and Radar. When manning was short he took on the duties of acting Captain of the squadron. In 1986 our youngest son Michael was born on June 24th 1986. We moved to Patrick AFB, FL in 1989, assigned to the 4th MOB. In August of 1990 Bob was sent to Saudi Arabia for Desert Shield. He Retired from the Air Force on July 1st 1994. He was honored to have served his country for 25 years. In March of 1995 Robert was hired by EG&G as the Manager of the SLF (shuttle Landing Facility), at KSC. In 1998, he moved to FT. Worth TX working as an assistant airport manager for the FT Worth Airport. In 2000, Bob returned to KSC working for Northrup Grumman, again working as the Manager for the SLF. Leaving KSC in 2009. Robert was hired as a counselor in 2011, working for the State of FL, counseling disabled Veterans in finding work. In every job, or duty assignment Robert was respected and loved; he was honored for his hard work and achievement. I had always known him to go above and beyond, to help anyone. He wore many hats: soldier, manager, counselor, scoutmaster, teacher, father and husband. We were married for 38 years and on every birthday, anniversary, and holiday he sent me flowers. My last note from Robert was on a bouquet of flowers, "For my best friend, my sweetheart, all my love. Merry Christmas, Bob" I will miss my husband, my best friend, my sweetheart, Bob. Robert leaves behind his family; two sons Craig and Michael , daughter-in-laws Sheri and Alexandra, grandson Bennett; Brothers Roger, Rod, Rick, and sister-in-laws Dianne, Cindi, Rae; brother and sister-in-law Pete and Linda Brace, as well as many nieces and nephews, and me, his best friend, Pamela.