Robert Lee Drews, 82, longtime Oak Harbor resident, passed away on July 29, 2009. He was born in LaPorte, Ind. Bob was an aeronautical engineer and a highly skilled pilot. He received U.S. Army Air Force pilot training during World War II and flew fighter planes. Bob was recalled to active duty during the Korean War and served as a combat pilot with the U.S. Air Force, flying combat missions. His F-86 Sabre Jet was shot down over North Korea, but he escaped after a harrowing crash landing and personal injuries.

In civilian life, Bob worked for the Boeing Company and also for the city of Renton. He then took a management position with the Bechtel Corporation, a job that took him and his wife Marlys to various parts of the world, including a lengthy assignment in Abu Dhabi.

Bob had a passion for flying and owned several aircraft, including an original WWII Japanese VAL dive bomber, which was used in battle scenes in the movies, “Midway” and “Tora, Tora, Tora.” Before moving to Oak Harbor with Marlys in the early 1990’s Bob was operations manager for the Reno, Nev., airport.

Bob is survived by a brother, Andrew A. Limber of Phoenix, three stepsons and numerous close and dear friends.

Graveside committal rites will be celebrated at Maple Leaf Cemetery, Oak Harbor, on Friday, Aug. 28, at 11 a.m. with Rev. Philip Raether as Celebrant. Arrangements entrusted to Burley Funeral Chapel, Oak Harbor.