Formation Flying for Bob

     When invited to fly in the right seat of an aircraft that would fly formation, I emotionally dropped to my knees and pleaded with MyMrMallory to attend an appointment without me so that I could fly. All the groveling was unnecessary, of course, for he would have happily sent me on my way to the airport, but that is the extent I may reach to fly. Especially to experience something I have not before in my life.
     H.-P. flew his Piper Arrow Turbo, the Stallion, alongside Martin's Grumman, the Cheetah, and Jim's Cessna Skyhawk, the Frog. All they needed, I thought, was me in my Scissortail to bring up the rear.
     I sat in the world's worst position for aerial photographic documentation of the event. Still, I managed some images that showed the beauty of that flight, and came home hoping I had not disturbed H.-P. with my lens hovering near him.
     Watching H.-P. fly as part of the formation helped me to realize how difficult the process may be. He focussed intensely on the Frog's right wing, while at the same time he scanned his instruments. I have a deeper appreciation of the difficulties of formation flying.
     And how must have the formation of three looked to the bereaved attending the burial service 500 feet below us? I thought, everyone is crying harder now for their loved one, Bob, seeing this assorted crew of aircraft honoring the departed fellow. One sees military aircraft fly-overs, remarkable in their power and speed, impressive in their symmetry; here three good friends of Bob flew different airplanes at 80 knots to celebrate his life. That's one of the things flying is all about.

   Robert George Sturgis, Sr., 81, of Wichita Falls, passed away on Tuesday, July 23, 2013. Graveside services will be at 3 PM on Friday, July 26, 2013, in the Garden of Compassion at Crestview Memorial Park, with Rev. Harvey McMurry officiating. Arrangements are under the direction of Lunn's Colonial Funeral Home. 

   Robert, Sr., was born November 10, 1931, to George and Rosemary Sturges, in Staten Island, NY. He was married to Gladys Sturges for 50 years upon her death. He later was remarried to Sandra Sturges. Her large family came to care for him as a father and grandfather.

   Robert, Sr., was a member of the United States Air Force for 20 years and the Civil Service for 15 years as an instructor in jet engines. Following his retirement, he became a licensed pilot, ground, and flight school instructor and a licensed mechanic on light aircraft. He worked many years at Kickapoo Air Park. Robert, Sr., loved teaching, working on airplanes, and telling jokes. 

    Survivors include his wife Sandra of Wichita Falls, three sons, Robert J. Sturges, and wife Shirley, of Irving, Texas, Thomas Sturges, of Springfield, Missouri, and Larry Sturges and wife, Tena, of Lakeside City, Texas, his sister Marge McPherson of Lawrence, MA, eight grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren. 

    In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to Hospice of Wichita Falls.