Robert Owen Waddell

Robert Owen Waddell (Bob), 79, passed away at his home in Arlington, Texas on Tuesday, October 7, 2020. He was born on January 22, 1941 in Kimberly, Idaho to parents, Marie and Jack Waddell. His family moved to Twin Falls, Idaho where Bob attended school and graduated from high school. He began his college career at Idaho State University in Pocatello, ID, then enlisted in the United States Air Force, and was stationed in Abilene, TX for training. Bob was a veteran of the Vietnam Conflict where he served as a Navigator on C130 and RF4 aircraft. While stationed at Ching Chuan Kang, Taiwan, Bob received the Air Force Commendation medal with 3 Oak Leaf Clusters which was given for flights in support of the Vietnam Conflict. He was later transferred to RAF Alconbury, England where he was selected to participate in Royal Flush, NATO's World Series or Reconnaissance. While stationed in England, Bob met his future wife, Lady Louise Wright, who was teaching for the Department of Defense in Alconbury. They married in August 1970. In 1975, after leaving the Air Force, Bob and Lady moved to Arlington, TX where Bob was employed as a Subcontractor Evaluator at Bell Helicopter. He remained with Bell until his retirement in early 2000. They years following his retirement were filled with travels throughout the United States and abroad. Bob and Lady visited six of the seven continents of our world, and traveled the backroads throughout the United States with other members and friends in the North Texas Austin Healey Club, Red River Triumph Club, and the Porsche Club of America, Maverick Region. Both Bob and Lady enjoyed the fellowship and camaraderie of these backroad car trips, and Bob greatly enjoyed the detailed planning required for all of their travels. Bob is survived by his wife, Lady Waddell; sister, Jacque (Lloyd) Axtell of Portland, OR; niece, Heather (Forest) Jones of Stanwood, WA; neice, Michelle (Paul) Worman of St. Helens, OR; and nephew, Jim (Enid) Axtell of Vancouver, WA. Also included are sister-in-law, Kay Wright; and nephews, Ross and Lee Wright of Lewisville, TX; and niece, Vanessa Harris (Jim Sweeney) of Plantation, FL; as well as several great-nieces and nephews. Bob was preceded in death by his parents; and by brothers, William (Bill) Waddell and Danny Waddell; and his sister, Zelma Walls. Arrangements through Wade Family Funeral Home are pending. Interment will be at the Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery/ Memorials: In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in memory of Bob to the Air Warrior Courage Foundation, Silver Springs, MD or to a favorite charity. Wade Family Funeral Home (817) 274-9233