Robert Walter Pare't

Robert Walter Pare’t MD (Bob) passed away peacefully in Knoxville, Tennessee on July 2, 2025 at the age of 98. He was an attentive husband who passionately loved his wife Natalie Pare’t. He was a father, a grandfather, a great grandfather and a devoted friend to untold numbers of people over many, many years.

Born October 9, 1926, in North Bergen, New Jersey, Bob was the youngest of two children, born to Peter and Eula Pare’t. His brother, Frank, preceded him in death. Bob was an adventurer, and lived life vigorously, always chasing new experiences.

Bob attended Rutgers University before and during World War II. During that time Bob was staged to invade Japan. Truman, however, dropped the A-Bomb on Japan and the war ended. Bob then entered the Korean war as part of the Army Air Corps, later renamed the United States Air Force.

During the Korean war Bob flew the F-84 for the 8th Fight Bomber squadron, 49th Fighter Bomber Group. He completed 100 missions as a fighter bomber pilot. The New York Times published an article reviewing his bravery. For these patriotic efforts Bob received the Distinguished Service Medal.

In 1955, Bob matriculated into medical school at New York Medical College. He graduated in 1959 and immediately joined the United States Air Force as part of the United States Medical Corps. Bob attended the school of Aerospace Medicine at Brooks A.F.B. and was selected to be a Flight Surgeon with the U-2 Spy Plane program based out of Laughlin A.F.B. near Del Rio, Tx. This was during the Cuban Missile Crisis.

In 1963, Bob started a private practice in Del Rio, during a time when family practice doctors did everything from delivering babies to removing breast cancer and making house calls. He transitioned from active duty USAF to the Texas Air National Guard and was assigned as a flight surgeon in the 149th USAF Clinic, Kelly AFB, Texas. He was appointed Commander.

In 1971, Bob left general practice to begin a residency in anesthesiology at UT Health Science Center in San Antonio, Tx. Upon completion, he returned to Del Rio to become Chief of Anesthesiology Service and Medical Director of Respiratory Care.

During this time his capacity in the Air National Guard increased until he became a two star general (Major General). He was appointed to the pentagon assigned to support the Surgeon General of the of the USAF. He travelled the world during this time acting in various capacities and responsibilities internationally.

On January 31, 1988 Bob retired from military service. Upon retirement Bob served as medical director of various companies and established a private practice named Occupational Health Services (OHS) in Oak Ridge, TN.

In 1992 he became a fellow for the American Academy of Disability Evaluating Physicians

After selling his practice (OHS) in Oak Ridge, he and his wife retired to secluded Branch Hill in Solway, Tennessee. Never at rest, Bob continued to consult with various contractors for the Department of Energy.

The last years of his life were filled with time spent loving his wife, children and grandchildren. He traveled and explored the world, bringing happiness to his friends and family with unceasing energy. His family is at a loss for words trying to describe the love and affection with which he treated his family, friends and countless patients whose lives he extended and improved.

Bob is survived by his wife Natalie, his children Dean (Kim), Bobby (Nicole), Renee and Chris (Deb). His grandchildren include Amanda, Leslee, Carter, Taylor, Mason and Hunter. He has several Great-Grandchildren.

His close family is celebrating his life at his home. He will be buried at Arlington National Cemetery with full military honors at a future date.

You and your family can celebrate Bob’s life by loving your family and spending time with them. Flowers and charitable donations are not necessary.

Included here is only a small fraction of his military, medical and community associated responsibilities:

Vice President Lions club Eye bank board

District Chairman of Concho Valley Boy Scouts

Chief Medical Staff of Val Verde Memorial Hospital (del Rio, Tx)

President, Nine Counties Medical Society

Texas Medical Association Health Planning Committee

Professional Insurance Committee

Texas Department of Human Resources Research Review Committee

Delegate of District 5 to the Texas Association of Anesthesiologists

Member of the AMA

Member of the TMA

Member of the Roane County Medical Society and Life Member of the Daedalion Society

National Guard Association of the United States (Life Member)

National Guard Association of Texas (Life Member)

Associate Fellow of the Aerospace Medical Association

Society of USAF Flight Surgeons

Alliance of the Air National Guard Flight Surgeons

Faith Lodge of Oak Ridge AF & AM

Beta Theta Pi and Pi Chi Medical Fraternity

Vice President val Verde County Medical Society

Chairman of the Pharmacy at Val Verde Memorial Hospital

Medical Executive Committee, Val Verde Memorial Hospital

Staff Member of innumerable hospitals

DECORATIONS AND AWARDS

Airfare Distinguished Service Medal

Legion of Merit

Distinguished Flying Cross

Air Medal with two Oak Leaf clusters

Air Force Commendation Medal

Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with One Oak Leaf Cluster

Air Force Organizational Excellent Award

American Campaign Medal

World War Two Victory Medal

Nation Defense Service Medal

Korean Service Medal with three Bronze Service Stars

Air Force Longevity Service award with a silver and bronze oak leaf cluster

Armed Forces Reserve Medal

Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon

Korean Presidential Unit Citation

United Nations Service Medal

Lone Star Distinguished Service Medal

Texas Outstanding Service Medal

Texas Medal of Merit

Governors Unit Citation

Texas Faithful Service medal x 3

Adjunct General’s Individual Award

Korean War Service Medal

Mott-McKamey Funeral Home and Cremations is assisting the Pare't family.