Lt. Col. Robert Bryan Respess, devoted husband and “”hero”” father, of Huntsville passed away Friday. He was born in Bremen, Ga. and lived throughout Georgia as a child. Lt. Col. Respess was a veteran of both World War II and Vietnam. He joined the Navy and was discharged at the end of the war. In 1950, Bryan graduated from The Citadel, the Military College of South Carolina, and was commissioned in the Army. His military duty stations included Vietnam, two tours in Germany, and other artillery bases. He retired from US Army active duty and reserves. He and his family moved to Huntsville in 1966 to be part of the Boeing Apollo team. In 1974, he joined the civil service and worked with the Army Missile Command until his retirement. Bryan was a servant to many and enjoyed model trains, time with family, and many friends. He was a member of The Citadel Alumni Association and a charter member of Southwood Presbyterian Church. Lt. Col. Respess is survived by his bride of 55 .5 years, Carolyn Norton Respess; three daughters, Suzanne of Birmingham, Michelle of Arlington, Va., and Nanette of Huntsville; brothers-in-law, Ret. Col. Mervin L. Norton of Springfield, Va., and Donald R. Norton of Birmingham; as well as nieces, nephews, and cousins. A celebration of Bryan’s life will be held at 3 p.m. today at Southwood Presbyterian Church with Dr. Mike Honeycutt and the Rev. Ken Leggett officiating. Visitation will immediately follow at the church. Burial will be at a later date in Arlington National Cemetery. Memorials may be made to Southwood Presbyterian Church – Helping Hands, 1000 Carl T. Jones Drive, Huntsville, AL 35802, or Hospice Family Care, 3304 Westmill Drive, Huntsville, AL 35805. Laughlin Service Funeral Home is assisting the family. Tags: 1950
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