Robert Francis Conlon

Robert Francis Conlon 12/11/27 - 01/19/19 So quiet was his approach that Heaven was unaware. A glider pilot had met his fate, and was standing at the heavenly gate."How could this happen?" the Lord exclaimed, "for unto me is known all things!" The glider pilot's answer was "I came on silent wings." Robert (Bob, Bobby) Francis Conlon, 91, a life-long resident of Botetourt County, gained his wings January 16, 2019 at home, surrounded by his family. Bob never met a stranger. If you spent more than a few minutes with him, you quickly learned of his passion for flying. Even as a young child his eyes were toward the skies. He was a member of the Ridge and Valley Soaring Club and a founding member of Springwood Soaring Association. As a Certified Flight Instructor, he taught many pilots and shared his joy of flying. Education in the small Buchanan school he attended fueled his never-ending thirst for knowledge. He was largely selfeducated, reading every scientific and educational publication available to him. He was always a thinker, inventor, and constant educator. Even in last days he was giving any captured audience lessons in physics, the Theory of Relativity, history, science, astronomy, mechanics, aviation ….. He was extremely proud of his service to his country in World War II in the US Navy. Bob was well-known in Botetourt County and surrounding areas for many years as the "The TV Man," through his TV and Electronics businesses - Valley Electronics and The TV Shop. He was preceded in death by his parents, Patrick and Jill Conlon; and the love of his life, Mary Frances Obenshain Conlon. Theirs was a 67-year love affair. Together they raised a closely-knit and loving family who survives him: Ray Conlon and family, Diane Stover, Roanoke, VA, Captain Benjamin and Parker Kemp, Killeen, TX, Daniel Kemp, Miami, FL; Michael and Sandra Conlon, Buchanan VA, Miranda Conlon and family, Jordan Campbell and Landon Helman, Roanoke, VA; Rosanna Conlon Honts and Dr. Charles Honts and Eric Honts, Boise, ID; Joyce Conlon Overstreet and Larry Overstreet, Roanoke, VA; Mary Ann Smith and Ron Smith, Elliot Smith, Buchanan, VA, Erin Smith, Radford, VA; Patricia Conlon and Quinn Britten, Buchanan,VA ; one cousin Ray Curtis, Loudoun, TN, and special nieces and nephew; and special, long-time family friend Ramsey Henderson. The family wishes to thank Karen Bierer, devoted and much-loved caregiver; and acknowledge the staff of Heartland Home Health (especially Caleb) and Heartland Hospice Care. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to these organizations:  Young Eagles Program, PO Box 3816, Oshkosh, WI 54903, www.eaa.org  Wounded Warrior Project, PO Box 758517, Topeka, KS 66675, www.woundedwarriorproject.org  D-Day Memorial, 3 Overlord Circle, Bedford, VA 24523, www.dday.org  Botetourt County EMS, 205 North Roanoke Street, Fincastle, VA 24090, emergencyservices@botetourt.org