Robert Hugh Pretre

Robert Hugh Pretre entered peacefully into his heavenly home on January 6, 2021 to join those waiting for him.
He was born Robert Hugh Pretre to Hugh and Grace Pretre on September 18, 1936 in Sandpoint, Idaho. His father was a farmer and his childhood was full of love, faith, hard work, discipline and happy memories in the beautiful mountains of Clark Fork, Idaho. Idaho held a special place in his heart and he loved taking his family there for special trips and to spend time with his mother.
As a young boy he observed large Air Force bombers flying over the family ranch many times and he hung pictures and models of aircraft in his room. That began his dream of joining the United States Air Force, which he did immediately after graduating from high school in Clark Fork. He also enjoyed working with his hands, including wood working, working on cars and electronic components.
While in the Air Force, Robert worked on aircraft environmental systems and then became an instructor. He received a Bronze Star as one of his many awards for a distinguished military career. He retired after 20 years of service as a Master Sergeant. He then became an instructor for Xerox at the Xerox Conference Center in Leesburg, Virginia for 17 years. That was followed by starting two businesses and followed by another 10+ years working in IT as a database administrator prior to final retirement.
While stationed at the Air Force Base in Lake Charles, Louisiana he met Mary Christine Beasley and they married on September 27, 1959. Together they had five children; Phyllis Marie (Burke), James Melvin, Sandra Kay (Green), Greg Alan and Bryan Lee. They lived in many states while he served in the Air Force but maintaining close family ties was always very important and they wanted their children to know their family.
The whole family was active as members of Charles Town Baptist Church in Charles Town, West Virginia where Robert served as a deacon for many years. He and Mary instilled a love for the Lord in all their children. They were married for 20 years until she entered her heavenly home in August of 1979.
Robert married Sylvia Wean on October 9, 1981 and became a stepfather to Gaye Lynne (Conrad), Shawna Mishelle and Todd Warren. They maintained a strong and loving marriage until his passing. He and Sylvia lived the past 20+ years in Parrish, Florida where he loved the warm weather. Together they were blessed with a host of grandchildren; Jenna Burke, Jordan Burke, Abby Green, Connor Green, Elise Green, Matthew Pretre, Danielle Pretre, Grace Pretre, Bradley Pretre, Blayne Conrad, Deagan Conrad, Logan Wean and Madison Wean. Great grandchildren are Sierrah Kearns, Taylor Davis, Karson Davis, Jayce Burke and Layla Burke.
Robert had a strong sense of family and he loved to talk about his children and grandchildren. They were the apple of his eye. His faith and belief that God was in control carried him through the many peaks and valleys he experienced in his life. One of his favorite Bible verses was Jeremiah 29:11, “For I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you, not to harm you and to give you a future filled with hope.” He was a loving and caring husband, father, grandfather and son. He will forever be greatly missed but his example of hard work, faith, and daily walking with the Lord will live on with each of his loved ones. We are so grateful for the love that he always gave freely and abundantly. We look forward to the day when we will see him again in paradise.
Robert’s remains will be interred at the Sarasota National Cemetery and the family will gather privately to celebrate his life.

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