Robert Willingham, 74, of Oak Harbor, passed away Sept. 24, 2006 in Bellingham. He was born Oct. 20, 1931 in Foresyth, Ga., to Alvan and Leone Willingham. Robert served in the U.S. Navy for 30 years and an additional 19 years in Civil Service, retiring after 49 years of federal service.

During his 19 years of Civil Service he was awarded the Navy Meritorious Civilian Service Award. Robert served during Korea, Vietnam and participated in the recovery of the Apollo 11 astronauts after the first moon landing in 1969. Robert served in various stations around the world and has lived with his family in Oak Harbor since 1969. Robert enjoyed crossword puzzles, watching Seattle sports teams and spending time outdoors.

Robert was preceded in death by his parents and his brother Gary.

He is survived by his wife Hilary of Oak Harbor; sons Richard (wife Claudia) of Hamilton, N.J. and Robert (wife Gantuya) of Seattle; and daughters Susan and Carolyn of Seattle.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Audubon Washington, 1411 4th Ave, Suite 920, Seattle, WA 98101, www.audubon.com or to the charity of your choice.

Graveside services with full military honors by the U.S. Navy will be held at Tahoma National Cemetery in Kent on Wednesday, Sept. 27 at 10:45 a.m. You may share memories with the family at www.westfordfuneralhome.com.

Arrangements by Westford Funeral Home, Bellingham.