Commander Robert W. Kohler, U.S. Navy, (Retired) was born in Easton, Pennsylvania. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy in October 1948 and attended basic training at Great Lakes, Illinois. As a Yeoman he served on various aircraft carriers on the East Coast of the United States
Commander Kohler was commissioned as Ensign in the Limited Duty Officer program on 1 January 1962. As a commissioned officer, his first duty assignment was on the Joint Task Group Staff which conducted nuclear testing in the south Pacific in 1962. His other assignments were: Administrative Assistant to the Chief of Staff for Operations on the CINCLANTFLT, CINCLANT, and CINCWESTLANT staff; Flag Secretary on the COMSECONDFLT staff; and Assistant Chief of Staff for Administration on the COMNAVAIRLANT staff. He also served as the Commanding Officer of the Flag Administrative Unit COMNAVAIRLANT. Commander Kohler reported to the USS Forrestal (CVA-59) in July 1965, as the Administrative Officer where he served until March 1968.
Along with awards and citations too numerous to mention, he was awarded the Navy Commendation Medal for his actions during the 29 July 1967 fire aboard Forrestal.
On 1 May 1979 Commander Kohler retired from the Fleet Training Center, Norfolk, Virginia completing over 30 years of distinguished naval service.
Commander Kohler has served the past 26 years as both the Vice President & the President of the USS Forrestal CVA/CV/AVT-59 Association, Inc.
Bob is survived by his wife Jackie, his daughter Susan Crumpler and son in law Stewart of Collegeville, PA, his daughter Debby Wentzell and son in law Linwood of Virginia Beach, his daughter Cathy Lieberman, 5 grandchildren, and 8 great-grandchildren.
A gathering of family and friends will be held on Friday, December 22nd from 6-8pm at Frank Vogler & Sons Funeral Home Clemmons Chapel, 2849 Middlebrook Dr. Commander Kohler will be laid to rest at Arlington National Cemetery at a future date.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to SemperMax Support Fund, PO BOX 54, Rural Retreat, VA 24368.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by Frank Vogler & Sons.
May 25, 2018
Jackie Kohler
May 25, 2018
Jackie Kohler
May 25, 2018
Jackie Kohler
May 25, 2018
Jackie Kohler
May 25, 2018
Jackie Kohler
May 25, 2018
Jackie Kohler
January 17, 2018
Friend
Leslie Brody
My wife and I met Commander Kohler at the USS FORRESTAL reunion this past summer. There, he answered my questions regarding obtaining Purple Hearts for our shipmates who perished in the fire. He was infinitely patient with me and spent quite a lot of time with me answering my questions. I made an awesome friend that day. I will never forget this. May God bless and comfort all of you during this very sad and difficult time. Les Brody
December 22, 2017
Ivey Kiestler
My thoughts and prayers are with his family.
December 21, 2017
Bryan & Nancy Bass
Dear Kohler Family,
We just heard the sad news. We have lost a great citizen and real patriot. My husband first met Bob through Currituck Tennis & I later served with Bob on the Library Foundation. He was always a strong advocate for the children in our county. No matter what project came along, Bob always asked us to include children. He was always willing to give of his time & resources. More than once he opened his home for an event. I also remember all the work he did to bring the Vietnam Veterans traveling memorial to Currituck. We could not have asked for a more outstanding friend and neighbor. He will be sorely missed and we grieve with you now.
With deepest condolences,
Bryan & Nancy Bass
December 20, 2017
Diane Edwards
I am so sorry to hear about Uncle Bob's passing. You are all in my thoughts and prayers. May God provide you comfort and peace. Sending love, Diane Presley Edwards
December 20, 2017
Bruce and Marcia Neubeck
So very sorry for your loss. May your wonderful memories sustain you through the days ahead. Please know memories of Bob will always bring a smile to our hearts- as he always had a smile and kind word for us.
December 20, 2017
Russell Bogoly
With deep condolences so sorry for your loss . Prayers and thoughts
December 20, 2017
Dale Ausborn
Dear Jackie, Susan, Debby & Cathy, RIP Commander. Sarah and I are sadden to hear of Bob's passing. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Dale Ausborn, L/Cpl, VMF(AW)-451 "Warlords", CVA-59, 65-66 Med Cruise.
December 20, 2017
Meliss Shafer
December 19, 2017
Fran and Jim Page
Susan and Stewart---
We were so sorry to hear about this loss your family has suffered. Having lost our own fathers, Jim and I know what you are feeling right now. Your memories of all the fun times will help you through all the mixed emotions of the next weeks and months. If there is anything we can do to help you in any way, please let us know.
May God wrap you and the family in his arms and give you the strength to get through this loss.
With much love,
Fran and Jim
December 19, 2017
Dear Jackie, Susan,Debby,and Cathy, You now have a loving Angel in Heaven and he will always be with you and loving you.. Our hearts are heavy this evening as we join so many of our Shipmates and Families in honoring the grand memory of Commander Bob Kohler, who was a friend to all. Thank God for the gift of Faith, that helps us know we will all meet again in the Sweet By and By and see the face of God and all our loved ones. We will be with you at the celebration in VA Beach . God Bless us all.
We love Bob and y'all and are here for y'all,
ABCS Joe Costello USN Ret. and Mary Jo Costello
December 19, 2017
Melissa Shafer
RIP Uncle Bob, lots of fond memories of visiting you and the girls long long ago. More fond memories getting together in the last few years. I'll truly miss you!
December 19, 2017
Scott and Martha Roberts
We are sorry for your loss and lifting up your family in prayer.
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