Robert Kay Estes' Obituary
ESTES, ROBERT KAY age 90, died at home on February 21, 2013. Born to Elisha M. and Wilhelmina Marie Hoffer Estes, Bob grew up on the high plains of Colorado. His love of flying grew from an early age and he began his aviation career flying for ranches. In 1942, he enlisted in the Army Air Corps and earned his military wings at Blackland Army Air Corps Base, now Waco Regional Airport. From there he was assigned to the 349th Troop Carrier Group, 312th Squadron and spent several months at Pope Field, NC on paratrooper training maneuvers flying C-47s. Bob soon after transitioned to the larger C-46 aircraft and, in 1945, made the difficult trans-Atlantic jump from South America to Ascension Island, and then to England. A few months later, Estes was transferred to an airbase near Amiens, France, where he towed gliders in the famous Operation Market Garden, hauled gasoline to General Patton’s tanks, dropped paratroopers, and flew wounded soldiers back to hospitals in England and imprisoned refugees out of Germany. The squadron returned to America via Iceland, Greenland, and Goose Bay, Labrador, Canada, and was scheduled to be deployed to the South Pacific when the war ended. Estes was transferred to the airbase in Austin where he was discharged. After the war, Bob became a flight instructor in Dallas, where he met his future wife, Dorris, who managed the G.I. Flight school. He also flew in air shows and air races, and was the featured flyer in the opening of the Cameron airport. He went on to become a commercial pilot for a charter service, and also worked for Standard and Pioneer Air Lines. After several more years as commercial pilot and instructor, he then became chief pilot for Trinity Industries for 24 years where he flew the Douglas A-26, Cessnas, Queen Air, Twin Beach, Twin Comanche, Cessna Citation, Falcon-10 and Sabreliner jets. He was awarded the prestigious Honored Order of the Sabre Knights recognition, finally retiring his wings in 1987. His was a unique career in aviation that will never be repeated. In the midst of his aviation career, Bob returned for eight years to the family ranch and the Robinson Grain Company of Ordway, CO. Here he was a member of the Masonic Lodge, Lions International, and Commander of the American Legion Post. After retirement, Bob enjoyed traveling with his wife, spending time with his family, fly-fishing, telling stories, and working in his shop. He loved his family, his country, flying, ranching, and his dogs. Bob was dearly loved and will be greatly missed. He was preceded in death by his parents, 4 siblings, and son Jack Robert Estes. He is survived by his loving wife of 66 years, Dorris, of Gatesville, TX; his son, Jim Estes and his wife Diane of Fredericksburg, TX; his daughter Rev. Cathy Estes of Gatesville, TX; and his brother, E. Melton Estes and wife Mildred of Fountain, CO. Graveside services will be held Monday, February 25, 2013 at Restland Memorial Park in Dallas, TX. Memorial contributions may be made to a Wounded Warrior organization or local animal shelter of choice.
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