July 03, 1928 - March 01, 2021
SCHLEMEYER, Robert Mowen Longtime resident of Spokane Robert (Bob) Mowen Schlemeyer passed peacefully at Sacred Heart Medical Center on March 1, 2021 with wife of 68 years, Connie at his side. His age was 92. Bob was born July 3, 1928 at Gainsville, Texas to his parents C.E. and Bama Lee Schlemeyer. Bob was at various locations in his younger years but particularly at Westcliff, CO where he graduated from Custer County High School in 1946. Staff Sgt. Schlemeyer had a decorated military career serving from 1946 – 1949 in the US Army Airforce, and again from 1950 – 1953 in the US Air Force. He received the Air Medal with two Oak Leaf Clusters and the Korean Service Medal with two Bronze Stars for his heroic service in World War II and the Korean War. His autobiography states that he logged flight time on 1510 hours in the B-29’s and 251 hours in the B-36’s. 1951 brought Bob to Spokane’s Fairchild Air Force Base. He met here the love of his life and married Cleone L. Johnson at Coeur d’Alene, Idaho on April 26, 1952. After discharge from the Air Force in 1953 the couple remained in Spokane where Bob worked for R.C. Hughes Corp., specializing in the construction of overhead and underground power and telephone lines in the far Western States. Bob was the Vice President in charge of Northwest Operations. He worked for “Hughes” for 28 years. In 1982 Bob started his own company, Western Construction & Equipment Co. Inc. This company specialized in underground power and telephone lines. The company existed for 16 years when he liquidated and retired in 1998. After retirement he did some consulting work and restored several cars. Bob is survived by wife Connie Schlemeyer in Spokane; brother Otto Schlemeyer of Aurora, CO; niece, Virginia Lobeer of Aurora, CO; and numerous other nieces and nephews. Bob was a kindhearted, caring person who had a zest for life and treasured his many friends and family. He also loved the game of golf and played the majority of his life. He went zip lining with friends at both ages 91 and 92 and was looking forward to going again at 93! Bob was a lifelong member of Local #77 IBEW. Rest in peace dear friend for a life well played! Memorial service of life will be planned for later this year. Memorials may be made to Hospice House of Spokane in his name.
