Robert “Bob” Capen

March 24, 1920 – April 20, 2017

From the 95th BG Memorials Foundation Facebook page:

With heavy hearts, the Memorials Foundation and the Heritage Association report that Bob Capen of Overland Park, KS, left formation on the evening of 20 April 2017 at age 97. Bob was a 335th and 336th ball turret gunner. Folded wings. 

Bob was born on 24 March 1920 and lived in Overland Park for 64 years. He had been ill for the past several months. Previously, he had been as strong as ever; Bob was mowing his own yard last summer. 

As his obituary reads, Bob “leaves his wife of 73 years Bettylou; son Gary Capen (Sharon); daughter Patricia Turpin (James); three grandchildren: Cristy L. Fulton (Tim), Shelley L. Flagler (Todd), Brian J. Capen (Lisa); three great-grandchildren: Macie Rae Fulton, Wyatt Flagler, and Hadley Capen; sister-in-law Joan Capen; brother-in-law Andrew (Skeeter) Habernal; niece Diana Capen; nephew Charles Capen (Sallie); and many wonderful friends. Bob was proceeded in death by his mother and father, Charles and Myrtle Capen; sister Virginia L. Habernal; and brother Charles (Chuck) Capen Jr. 

“Bob was extremely proud of his time in the Army Air Force during WW2 from 1942 to 1945 as a ball turret gunner on a B-17 with the 335th and the 336th squadrons in the 95th Bomb Group. He was stationed in Horham, England, and flew 33 missions. During his time serving, he received the Distinguish Flying Cross, Air Medal, Victory Medal, Russian Victory Medal, Polish Uprising Medal and the Medal from Polish Underground Army for his help in dropping food, medicine and munitions to Warsaw, Poland. He also served during the Korean War. 

“Bob was a metal spinner by trade at United Metal Spinning Co. in KCMO. He enjoyed his workshop at home creating numerous wood working projects and silver/turquoise jewelry that he shared with all of his friends and family. A wonderful artist in his own right, Bob will be greatly missed by both family and friends. He was a wonderful husband, the greatest dad, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He was a hero in many ways to his entire family. Dad, we love you and miss you. 

“Please join the family for a celebration of life between 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., April 30th, at Torreadors Restaurant, 7926 Floyd, Overland Park, KS. Torreadors was Bob’s favorite restaurant and he would eat there every Friday night for the past 40 years. Military Honors will be 12:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 2, at Leavenworth National Cemetery. (Condolences may be expressed at: www.porterfuneralhome.com. Arrangements: Porter Funeral Homes & Crematory, 8535 Monrovia, Lenexa, KS (913) 438-6444).”