Robert Fleming

Robert Lee Fleming (Bob), age 87, passed away on January 14, 2012 at the Nevada State Veterans Home in Boulder City, Nevada. Bob, affectionately known as the Commander, was born on August 30, 1924 in Dallas, Texas to Carl and Lempi (Teddy) Fleming.

Bob served his country in the United States Navy as an aircraft carrier fighter pilot during WWII and Korea. He flew combat missions off of the U.S.S. Hancock and the U.S.S. Bon Homme Richard (CV-31) as a member of the famous VF-781 Pacemakers. The Commander is well decorated. In addition to various area combat medals, he has been awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Air Medal (5 stars), the Navy Presidential Unit Citation, Pacific Asiatic Campaign Medal (4 stars) and the Navy Unit Commendation. Bob served his fellow pilots as a carrier flight instructor and also an instrument flight instructor. Bob retired from the Navy as a Commander after serving 20+ years.

Bob loved to fly. He flew everything from attack aircraft, fighters, jets, bombers, recon aircraft, dive bombers to Cessna's. He maintained his commercial pilot's license after active duty. He was a 33rd degree Shiner, Lodge 407 F&AM and sponsored John Wayne into the Masonic Lodge Al-Malaika Temple, in Newport Beach, California. He was an avid bowler and enjoyed going skin diving and watching rugby. Bob was active in southern California real estate development. While serving on the California Governor's Real Estate Advisory Board was credited with the refilling of Lake Elsinore in Riverside, California. He was very active in the real estate development communities of Orange, San Diego and Riverside Counties until his retirement when he moved back to Coronado Island close to his love, the Navy in San Diego, CA.

He had a strong faith and served as a nondenominational minister to many followers of Christ. He founded God's Open Forum in San Diego, CA and established an orphanage in Mexicali, Mexico.

He moved to the Las Vegas area in 2004 from San Diego, CA to be closer to family.

Bob is survived by three children: Bob Jr. (Sylvia) Fleming of Henderson, NV; Joanne Adams of Castle Rock, CO; and Richard Fleming of Coronado, CA; six grandchildren and seven great grandchildren. He is preceded in death by Shirlie, his wife of 30 years.

Funeral services are currently pending and Bob will be laid to rest in the Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery in San Diego, CA. Funeral arrangements are under the care of Boulder City Family Mortuary and the family invites you to sign an online guest book at www.bouldercityfamilymortuary.com .