Obituary
Robert Lee Catron Sr., retired Lieutenant Colonel U.S. Army, Manager of International Marketing at General Electric SCSD, founder and President of Lee International Consulting, father, grandfather, and friend. Bob passed away peacefully at 92 years of age on August 7th, 2024 with his significant other, Pattie Marino by his side.
Bob was born and raised in St. Louis, MO with the basic beginnings for a self-made man. He attended Bayless schools growing up and earned an engineering degree from the Missouri School of Mines in Rolla, MO, pledging Kappa Sigma before joining the U.S. Army, going to flight school and fulfilling his dream to become a pilot.
His 23-year military career created rich life experiences in the U.S and abroad. Bob served two 13-month tours in Vietnam flying various helicopters such as the UH-1 Huey. He was awarded the Bronze Star for valor while evacuating wounded during an attack on Pleiku in February 1965. His experience as a flight instructor led him to a role in flight training and simulation at the Naval Training Center in Orlando, FL in the early 1970s. Subsequently he retired and worked in the private sector for more than 38 years promoting marketing and sales of simulation systems for G.E. and then consulting for DynaLantic Corp.
He was adored by his children Renee (Tony) Alivento, Robyn (Bill) Cook, and Beau (Kim) Catron as well as grandchildren Nikki (Jim) Ross, Billy Cook, and Sean Catron. Bob was always a great conversationalist, fun to have at a party, enjoyed friends and extended family all over the world, and his daily happy hour martini was legendary. He was preceded in death by his wife of 28 years Jenny (Li-Hung) Catron. His ashes will be buried at the Cape Canaveral National Cemetery along with hers. Bob will be greatly missed. In lieu of flowers raise your glass for Bob at many future happy hours.
Bob at his 90th birthday surrounded by family with Pattie at his side.
This picture was included in an e-mail I received from him in October of 2008.