Robert J. Kalina

Memorial service for Lieutenant Colonel Robert (Bob) Joseph Kalina (ret), USAF, 90, of Lake Kiowa and Euless, Texas will be at 11:00 AM Tuesday August 5, 2014 at Gainesville First United Methodist, Rev. Don Yeager officiating. Burial with full military honors will be conducted at the Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery, 2000 Mountain Creek Pkwy, Dallas, TX 75211 on Wednesday, August 6, 2014 at 10:00 AM. Viewing with a reception for friends and family will be from 3:00 to 5:00 PM Sunday, August 3, 2014 at Geo. J. Carroll & Son Funeral home.


Lt. Col. Kalina passed away Monday, July 28, 2014 in Ft. Worth, TX surrounded by his family. Bob Kalina was born April 20, 1924 in Table Rock, Nebraska to Joe and Vincie Kalina. He joined the Army Air Corps after high school graduation, and served his country with distinction during World War II, retiring from the military in 1967 after 23 years of service. During his illustrious career, he graduated from the University of Alabama, he flew secret missions as part of Strategic Air Command in Canada, taught ROTC at Florida State University, and was an instructor at the Air War College at Maxwell AFB. Decorations and citations include the American Campaign Medal, World War II Victory Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal, Army of Occupation Medal with Japan Clasp, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award, and the Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal. After retiring from military service, he moved his family to Euless, Texas to work for American Airlines. He began as a flight instructor for the Boeing 707 and after 19 years of dedicated service he retired again as the manager for all of the Boeing equipment and supervised American Airlines’ training manuals for the 757 and 767. After his second retirement he moved to Lake Kiowa near Gainesville, Texas, where he was in the local homeowners’ association and various other clubs. He served on many local boards including Home Hospice of Cooke County, Cooke County Meals on Wheels and the Cooke County Republican Party. He was actively involved in many local charitable, community, church and political affairs.


Bob was known for his generous, outgoing personality and made many lasting friendships throughout his life in the military, at American Airlines and Lake Kiowa. He never met a stranger. His sense of humor was joyous and contagious, and he always had a story to delight both young and old. He was an avid golfer and fisherman, having introduced his children and grandchildren to the sport he so loved. He was always an active individual and frequently outpaced those much younger than himself. Everyone who knew him mourns his loss.


Bob Kalina was just as steadfast in his personal life as his career. He married Joyce “Joy” Valerie Menzies on March 22, 1947. Joy was from Australia, and they met when Bob was serving in Australia after the war. Joy was his faithful wife until her death in 1996. Later Bob married Sara Rippy of Gainesville, who preceded him in death in March 2013. He is preceded in death by his three sisters, Evelyn, Alyce, Florence and his older brother, Arlan. Survivors include his two brothers John Marion Kalina and Vernon Kalina; his four children: Janeen Karm (Rich) of Hot Springs Village, AR; Arlan Kalina (Alessandra), of Haltom City, TX; Robert J. Kalina II (Vicki), of Bedford, TX and Kathy Davis, Fort Worth, TX; two step-children: Vince Rippy (Doris) of Gainesville; Sidney Mclaughlin of Pilot Point; ten grandchildren: Jennifer Lanning (Craig), S. Craig Whitney, Renee Whitney, Robert F. Kalina, Stephanie Kalina, Christine Palmer, Shelly Kalina, Elaine Kalina, Kerri Kalina, Ashley Davis and one great grandchild, Elizabeth Lanning.

Memorial contributions may be made to Cooke County Meals on Wheels, or the Medal of Honor Host City Program, 200 S. Rusk, Gainesville, TX 76240