Robert Eugene "Bob" Lakey

Robert Eugene Lakey, 86, passed away peacefully on June 9, 2025, surrounded by his loving family.

Bob was born in Stillwater, Oklahoma on January 6, 1939, to Ray L. and Dorothy (Large) Lakey. He spent most of his childhood in Stillwater and moved to Enid, Oklahoma during his early teens. He graduated from Enid High School and entered college at Oklahoma State University majoring in chemical and electrical engineering. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering in May 1964 and was commissioned as an officer in the U.S. Army Reserve through the Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) program. Following graduation from college Bob entered the U.S. Army as a second lieutenant and served initially as a field artillery officer at Fort Sill, Oklahoma. He subsequently transferred to Fort Wolters, Texas where he entered flight school for training and qualification as a helicopter pilot. Following completion of flight school and receiving his aviator wings, Bob served a tour of duty in Vietnam as an attack helicopter pilot with the 175th Assault Helicopter Company, 13th Aviation Battalion, 1st Aviation Brigade. Following completion of duty in Vietnam, he was assigned to Fort Wolters as an instructor pilot until his honorable discharge from active duty in November 1967.

Bob married Nicky Lyn Whitely, his college sweetheart, also of Stillwater, Oklahoma, in New Orleans, Louisiana in October 1964. Together they raised two daughters, Stephanie and Michelle. He worked as an electronics design engineer for various engineering firms and attended the University of Texas at Arlington where he earned a Master of Science degree in Electrical Engineering. He retired from McDonnell Douglas (now Boeing Company) in 1990. He was a Registered Professional Engineer.

His love of the military, aviation and particularly his love of helicopters led him to join the military reserves following release from active duty. He served in various units and positions as a pilot, commander and staff officer. He served a total of 28 years, both active and reserve, and retired as a Lieutenant Colonel. He was very proud of his military service and a true patriot.

Bob also owned and flew his own airplanes and was particularly fond of his 1958 model Beechcraft Bonanza which he had restored to pristine condition. He was a licensed airframe and power plant mechanic and also held inspection authority for the inspection of aircraft. In 2014 he was awarded the Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award by the Federal Aviation Administration in recognition of 50 years of accident-free flying as a rated pilot. He had accumulated over 5,000 hours of flight time in both helicopters and airplanes.

He was a man of remarkable wit and mirth and brought much laughter to those who knew him. He was a great storyteller and had a seemingly endless supply of jokes which he shared with his many friends and acquaintances. He loved all things intellectual, technical and mechanical. He spent much of his free time pursuing his interests in music and guitar, computers, airplanes and flying. He also was an avid outdoorsman and conservationist and enjoyed camping and fishing. He loved traveling with and having adventures with his granddaughters. More than anything else, he cherished the time he spent with his wife, daughters and granddaughters.

He was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Roseda Hornberger.

Those remaining to cherish the memory of Bob are his wife, Nicky; daughters, Stephanie Baxter and her partner, Chris Axum and Michelle Chesnut and her husband, Jeff; and granddaughters, Claire and Lily.

His family is eternally grateful for the care and kindness he received from the doctors, nurses, technicians and support staff in the ICU at Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital in Dallas during this very difficult journey.

In lieu of flowers, donations in the memory of Bob can be made to The Army Historical Foundation, Ft. Belvoir, Virginia, The Army Aviation Museum Foundation, Ft. Novosel, Alabama, KERA public television, Dallas, TX or a charity of your choice.

In accordance with Bob's wishes, he will be laid to rest at the Dallas/Fort Worth National Cemetery. Services will be held June 26, 2025 at 2:15 p.m. with a reception to celebrate Bob's life to follow at 3623 Patience Blvd, Dallas, Texas 75236.