Robert (Bob) W. Miles was born to Ronald and Gladys Miles on March 27, 1934, in Lansing, MI. On June
11, 1971, he married the former Nancy Houts DeArmond of Chattanooga, TN in Virginia Beach, VA. They
celebrated their 50 th anniversary this past June. On Sunday, October 17, 2021, he passed into the
presence of Jesus surrounded by his family.
He was proceeded in death by his parents and his brother, Dick. He is survived by his wife, Nancy and
his three children, Larry Miles, Gary Miles, and Sharon (Miles) Kellett as well as 8 grandchildren and 13
great grandchildren.
Bob grew up in Michigan and was an avid sportsman and outdoorsman. He excelled in hockey, football,
sailing, fishing, hunting and other outdoor activities. In July 1954 after completing two years of college
at Capital University in Columbus, Ohio Captain Robert W. Miles enlisted in the Naval Aviation Cadet
program. He received his commission and was designated a Naval Aviator in November 1955. He
excelled as a pilot and in 1962 became one of the first pilots to fly the A-6 Intruder. He flew over 206
combat missions over North Vietnam and has logged 817 carrier arrested landings and 6,294 flight hours
in operational aircraft with over 2,800 of them in the A-6.
He has been decorated with the Silver Star,
seven Distinguished Flying Crosses, twenty-three Air Medals, two Navy Commendation Medals with
Combat V, and the South Vietnam Gallantry Cross. In 2012 he was inducted into The Golden Eagles, an
association of elite Naval Aviators who are voted in by their peers for pioneering in some new aspect of
Naval Aviation, outstanding skills as pilots, wide experience, good judgment, personal character and
their dedication to flying.
After 23 years of active service, he retired from the Navy and assumed the position of Naval Science
Instructor at Oak Harbor High School in Oak Harbor, WA. He remained in charge of the NJROTC unit for
19 years before retiring in September 1996. Many young lives were deeply transformed through his
leadership as their teacher and instructor.
Bob came to know Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior when he was 37 years old and from that point on
was an example of how Christ would have us live. He was extremely involved in all the churches he was
a member of and taught numerous Sunday School classes, Bible Studies, and personally mentored many
young men. Too many lives have been touched by his love, friendship, integrity and faith to even begin
mentioning.
He was loved by all who knew him and his joy for life was contagious. He will be greatly missed but all
who knew him will forever be grateful he was in their life.
The funeral remembering Bob’s life will be at the Family Bible Church on Heller at 1:00 pm Thursday,
reception to follow.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Samaritan’s Purse or the Pregnancy Care Clinic in Oak
Harbor, WA.