Bobby R. Justus

Retired Command Sergeant Major Bobby Ray Justus, (Bob) 87, beloved husband and best friend of Gabriella Maitz Justus for whom he now joins in Eternal Heavenly Peace. Bob departed Saturday morning, April 26, 2014 at a local hospital, minutes before being released. He was joking around, laughing and speaking of going out to have breakfast. He was surrounded by the ones he laughed with, guided, lived for, and loved; his daughter Margaret Gwen Justus and his son Robert Van Justus. Retired CSM Bobby R. Justus, was a highly decorated Army Veteran, 31 years of honorable and dedicated service. He was a native of Wilmington, North Carolina, 13 July 1926. He was born to parents, Louise Turner Justus and Landy T. Justus. One of the schools he attended and spoke highly of was Saint Leo Catholic Parish, where in the third grade he recited by memory all the Catechism and the Rime of the Ancient Mariner. He had a photographic mind, even to this day. While growing up he had many laborious chores before school, as well as after school, working many hours; first, at a tobacco factory then later at a cloth making/printing factory. He also helped his uncles who were builders. He enjoyed and loved wood working. He was a drummer in the school band and an athlete/runner. All the while, reading and researching about World and American history. Even though he had a tumultuous childhood; he had much faith, strength and drive. After graduating from Rock Hill High School in Rock Hill, South Carolina, he volunteered and was inducted into the service of our country on September 1944. He was in WWII, Battle of Okinawa, Korean Conflict, two tours of duty in the Vietnam War. In all of these horrors of war, he still believed in the hope of human kind. He believed in studying history to prevent repeating the mistakes of the past; to continue to strive in preserving the Constitution, Democracy, and the message in the Gettysburg Address, equality and compassion for all. Above all else, the importance and faith that he had in God and his Savior Jesus Christ, his unending love of his family, and friends. In his extensive travels, his favorite station was Vicenza Italy, which he had two terms, totaling 9 years. There in Vicenza, as a family; his, as well as ours; many endearing and long life friends were met. Many have pasted those who are still with us: the Maxwell’s, Amato’s, and the Abeyta’s. It was place close enough to Austria; as a family, we traveled to visit with relatives. He loved photography. His extensive photos are a volume of recorded history of all he had seen. After retiring from the military he went back to college, graduating with ‘magna cum laude’. He became a FHA Building Inspector. He developed a long life friendship and working relationship with Gilbert Minjares. Along the way, in El Paso, Texas, he met many people and developed lifelong friendships: The Westons, Mallards, Lawrences, Niemczyks, Romanciks, and to all his friends a special thanks for being a part of his life. He enjoyed getting together for dinners, and having a beer with the guys and “shooting the breeze”. He enjoyed talking with others. A Salute to all of those who have served and are serving, who have Fought for Truth, Lived for Honor, and Died for Freedom, and continue to strive for equality and justice for all. One of my Father’s goals was to write a book, with all the photos and travels; which he was working on before he passed. This is a great loss. We will miss our Father deeply, mere words and feeling cannot express the great love and respect we will always have for our beloved Father. Funeral Mass: 9:30 am Friday, 2 May 2014 at All Saints Catholic Parish at 1415 Dakota St. El Paso, Texas 79930. Mass will be officiated by Reverend Father Ken Ducre. Committal Service: 11:00 am Friday, 2 May 2014 at Fort Bliss National Cemetery: 5200 Fred Wilson Avenue El Paso, Texas 79906 with Full Military Honors. Luncheon: 12:00 pm Friday, 2 May 2014 at All Saints Catholic Parish Hall. Services entrusted to Sunset Funeral Home Northeast. Please visit our online register book at www.sunsetfuneralhomes.net