George Robert "Bob" Bolte

George Robert "Bob" Bolte, Jr., 96, passed away on March 13, 2014 in Euless. Service: A Memorial Gathering will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at Lucas Funeral Home in Hurst. Memorials: In lieu of flowers, the family wishes that donations be made in Bob's name to the Alzheimer's Association. Bob was born on February 9, 1918 in Jersey City, New Jersey to George Robert Bolte, Sr. and Gertrude O. Collins Bolte. He was accepted into the Aviation Cadet Program in April of 1942. Bob trained at many locations including Nashville C.C., Maxwell A.F.B., Clarksdale Field (PT17), Walnut Ridge A.F.B. (BT13), Craig A.F.B. (AT6 and P40), and received his pilot wings and 2nd Lt. Commission. He combat trained in Sarasota, Florida and was then sent to Africa assigned to the 316th Fighter Squadron. In Africa only a short while, Bob was reassigned to the 85th Fighter Squadron in Sicily. He flew 108 combat missions in P40 and P47 aircraft, mostly supporting General Montgomery's British 8th Army, to which he was attached and assigned for close support. Bob's group, the 79th FTR, was transferred to Naples, Italy to fly cover and close support for the Anzio Invasion. He was credited with one ME109 destroyed and two FW190's damaged and he received a D.F.C., a purple heart, an air medal with OLCs and campaign ribbons. Bob was released to inactive duty in October of 1945 and flew P47s for the New Jersey Air National Guard and the Georgia Air National Guard until January of 1950 when he resigned as a Captain. His civilian career at General Motors, which began before entering the service, continued in 1945. Bob met his wife Mary in 1947 and they were married in 1949. He transferred with G.M. to Texas in 1953 and retired after 43 years of dedicated service in 1979. Upon retiring Bob spent most of his time traveling in Germany, boating, woodworking, and saltwater fishing in Aransas Bay and the Gulf of Mexico. He was also proud to be an honorary member in the association of German Fighter Pilots. He was preceded in passing by his loving wife, Mary Bolte; his sons, John Bolte and Bill Bolte; and his parents and siblings. Survivors: Daughter-in-law, Kit Royal Bolte; granddaughters, Jessica Bolte and Jennifer Bolte; great-grandson, Bradley Eden; nieces Helen Lowe, Alice Clarkin (Jack), Flo Densmore (Mike); nephews Hugh Peterson (Debbie), John Clothier (Carole), Carl Hess (Susie), Bobby Hess (Barbara), Steve Hess, and many family and long-time friends. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of George Robert "Bob" Bolte please visit our Sympathy Store.