Robert Blair Confer's Obituary
Bob was born on April 22, 1934, in Lock Haven, PA the son of the late James and Isabelle (Moore) Confer. He graduated from Lock Haven High School, joined the U.S. Army and was stationed in Germany. On July 7, 1960, he married the love of his life Ute Doris Confer (Lehr) in Heidelberg, Germany. They celebrated their 63rd wedding anniversary this month. He’s celebrating in Heaven now playing Tonk with Belin and Nik and poker with his friends and family.
He honorably served in the U.S. Army for 22 years earning distinguished awards including the Bronze Star, Republic of Vietnam Meritorious Unit Citation Gallantry Cross Medal with Palm, National Defense Service Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster, Vietnam Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Army of Occupation Medal, and numerous Good Conduct awards.
Upon his honorable discharge as a Sergeant First Class at Ft. Lewis, he worked for Saxon Business Products as a Warehouse Manager and then as a Civil Servant at Ft. Lewis.
Bob is survived by his beloved wife Ute D. Confer, and his daughters Laura Paylor (Mark) and Angelika (Michael) Heaton. His beloved daughter Belinda Keefe preceded him in death on February 24, 2018. He is survived by his adored grandchildren Alexander Keefe, Andrew Keefe, Christopher Paylor and Kyle Heaton. His adored granddaughter Nicole M. Hinds (Paylor) preceded him in death on September 15, 2015. He is survived by his much-loved great grandsons Jackson Hinds, Marcus Paylor and Emerson Paylor. He is also survived by John Keefe and his wife Insook. He will be missed by extended family and friends across the U.S., Germany and Spain.
Along with his parents, Bob was preceded in death by his eleven brothers: Taylor, Daniel (Dod), Lester, Glen, James (Jun), Jerry, George, Walter, William, Richard (Dick) and Ernest (Ern) who all served their country in the Army, U.S. Cavalry, Navy, Marines and National Guard and nine sisters: Edith Robinson, Roberta Blair, Ruth Egan, Thelma Bloom, Betty Gorham, Ella Wilson, Doris Mackey (Sis), Helen Gillis (Lade) and Goldie Corman. Dad was one of the “Fighting Confers” and he was the last man standing. Pap will aways be our Captain America.
Memorial service with military honors will be held on August 11, 2023, at 11 AM at Tahoma National. Please arrive by 10:45 AM for the procession to the committal shelter. Cemetery at 18600 SE 240th St, Kent, WA 98042.
Reception to follow at Burs Restaurant at 6151 Steilacoom Blvd SW, Lakewood, WA 98499
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