Bob Benbough

Robert B. "Bob" Benbough, 76, of Mountain Home, passed away on Wednesday, May 15, 2013, at his home.

A memorial service, with military honors, will be held at 11 a.m., on Thursday, May 30, 2013, at the Christian and Baptist Church, located at 265 N. 4th East. Inurnment will be held at the Idaho State Veteran's Cemetery in Boise, at a later date. Arrangements are under the direction of Rost Funeral Home, McMurtrey Chapel.

Bob was born in San Diego, Calif., in 1936, to Margaret and H.L. Benbough, Jr. He grew up in San Diego, and graduated from Hoover High School, San Diego State College, and was commissioned into the US Air Force through ROTC.

Bob married Kay Hardy in 1958 and soon thereafter began his Air Force career.

Bob flew as a navigator in B-52s and later moved from SAC to TAC, flying in the F-4 for a tour in Southeast Asia.

His family grew and the three children; Michael, Stephen and Christen enjoyed two tours in Germany and two years in England. He retired from the Air Force in 1982.

All of these years Bob enjoyed the shooting sports, black powder rendezvous with the family, summer camping trips and coaching youth in firearm safety and competitive shooting.

The family moved to Susanville, Calif., to pursue a course in gunsmithing at Larsen College. There Bob developed and ran a NRA summer school and coached the college small-bore shooting team for nine years.

A new job brought Bob and Kay to Idaho, where he pursued investments with military folks and a number of jobs, finally settling into the favorite spot as curator at the Military History Museum at Gowen Field. It was a joy to work with the many volunteers, meeting visitors and learning from the real heroes, as their stories were shared.

Bob influenced many during his years in Boy Scouts and coaching youth. He reminded us of the importance of being active in encouraging others. Bob will be missed by his family and his many friends.

Bob is survived by his wife, Kay, sons Michael and Stephen, daughter Christen, sisters Patricia and Barbara, brother H.L. III, and four grandchildren.

Donations in Bob's memory can be sent to the Idaho Military History Museum, 4748 S. Lindberg St., Boise, ID 83705.