Obituary of Bobby Dean Means

Bob was born on January 21, 1930 in Seminole, Oklahoma and passed away on February 20, 2007 at home in Tacoma. He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Betty, two sons and their families, Gary & Jan Means, and grandsons Jon-Erik & Kristoffer, and Ron & Linda Means, with granddaughters Carla & Rachel. Bob’s passing is also mourned by sisters-in-laws, Marolyn Heuer and Carolyn Knee, and brother-in-law, Tom Collens, as well as many nieces and nephews. Bob served in the USAF from 1950 to 1954, during which time he met and married Betty. In 1956 they moved to Tacoma , where he worked at Wible Electronics, eventually becoming their sales manager. In 1967 Bob decided to seek a career which would offer him more potential for personal and career growth. He began working in Civil Service at McChord Air Force Base (AFB). Bob’s work ethic, intelligence, and leadership skills were recognized and rewarded, and he was steadily given increasing levels of responsibility. In 1983 Bob was promoted to McChord AFB’s Chief of Logistics Plans. In this role Bob was responsible for managing everything involving the transport of passengers and cargo through the aerial port at McChord AFB. Bob’s consistent high-level performance led to many awards, including the very first commendation for the Air Force Outstanding Logistics Plans and Programs Civilian Senior Manager of the year. Bob and his team coordinated troop deployments, disaster relief and international aid missions, and provided local logistical support for Presidential & VIP visits. Bob’s role also involved consultation with peers around the world. This required travel to Germany , South Korea and the USSR , as well as trips throughout the United States . He was also called upon to evaluate the effectiveness of the relief efforts following the eruption of Mt. Pinatubo in the Philippines . Bob retired from McChord AFB in 1995. His departure brought many notes of thanks and commendation from Air Force colonels and generals, many of whom had come to consider Bob a friend. Retirement gave Bob time for two favorite hobbies, woodworking and traveling with his wife. They would often combine their love of travel with attendance at International Wood Collectors Society (IWCS) conventions and other wood working events across the country. Often a conference would become the starting point for one of their road trips exploring the surrounding region of the country. Woodturning became a passion for Bob. He was a founding member of the South Puget Sound Woodturning club and served in several leadership roles. He also was an active member of IWCS; he and Betty coordinated and were hosts for the 2003 international meeting and conference. Bob was also a member of the Tacoma Elks, United Commercial Travelers, Toggle (computer club), and National Association of Retired Federal Employees. Bob will be missed for his loyalty to his family & friends, his quick laughter, and his willingness to give of himself. A family memorial service will be held. Arrangements by Edwards Memorial Center 253-566-1008.