Robert "Bob" Hayes Gwynn

It is with great sadness we announce the passing of Robert Hayes Gwynn, known to everyone as Bob. He passed away peacefully on Saturday, April 26th 2025 with his family by his side in Denver, Colorado at the age of 85. Bob was born in New York April 17, 1940 to Charles B. and Gay Gubics Gwynn. He attended Columbia High School in Maplewood, NJ where he met his future wife Barbara Beck. He graduated from Monmouth College (Illinois) June 10, 1962 with a major in economics and minor in mathematics then went directly to active duty in the United States Navy. Bob married his literal ‘girl next door’ Barbara on February 15, 1964 and together had two children Lori and David.

Bob served in the United States Navy aboard the U.S.S Vance in Vietnam Nam. Bob’s “claim to fame” as he called it was his historic involvement in the infamous Arnheiter Affair off the coast of Vietnam in 1966. Bob was the supply officer aboard ship serving with honor and integrity during that trying time. This incident is detailed in the book The Arnheiter Affair by Neil Sheehan 1971 . Upon completing his active duty responsibilities, he spent another 20+ years in the naval reserve where most of his time concentrated in Defense Contract Administration Services and retired as CDR, SC, USNR.

In the private sector Bob worked in production and inventory management with Baxter Healthcare and A.B. Dick where he focused on the fundamentals and mechanics of computer systems while living in Chicago. He then joined Martin Marietta Data Systems designing and implementing materials requirement planning systems for industrial clients. In 1982 MMDS sent him to Denver supporting the Aerospace division while operating in classified computer systems and government contracting. He then moved on to JD Edwards where he functioned in client implementation, development, and taught operational classes. JDE took him all over the world as an employee and later as a consultant until he retired in 2002. He continued to explore the world with remarkable friends on many adventures documented through his passion for photography.

Bob is survived by his children Lori Palumbo (Joe) and David, his grandchildren Taylor Ivanov (Hristo) and Alex Palumbo; his sister Pamela Herrup (Peter) and their children Sarah-Elizabeth Cloutier, Katherine Boylan and Elizabeth Herrup. He was preceded in death by his wife Barbara Beck Gwynn and his parents Charles B. and Gay Gwynn. Bob’s quick wit, dry humor and unwavering kindness to all will continue to inspire all who knew him. May luck and superstition be on your side.

His wishes were to be laid to rest in Arlington National Cemetery alongside his parents in a future memorial.