DOVER - United States Air Force Colonel (retired) Robert (Bob) Clark Kessinger passed away, Nov. 9, 2016 at the Delaware VA Home. Born in Louisville, Ky. on Nov. 18, 1931, Bob was an honorary "Kentucky Colonel." Commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in May, 1954, he completed navigator training, as a distinguished graduate. Following pilot training at Reese Air Force Base, Texas, in 1958 he was assigned to Dover Air Force Base in C-124 aircraft. He flew world-wide transport missions to support US armed forces. Bob met his true love Dorrie at the Dinner Bell in Dover in September, 1959. They were married 3 months later. Completing WB-50 training in the mid-sixties, Bob joined the hurricane hunters in Bermuda. On one mission, after an engine shutdown, he braved a "Shoot down" threat by Fidel Castro to safely land at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. While stationed in Bermuda, in 1962, son, Bobby was born. Two years later stationed in Colorado, daughter, Kara was born. Bob returned to Dover AFB to fly the C-133. Missions included extensive Southeast Asia was effort support. He accumulated 10,000 flying hours, a portion being combat support hours. Bob completed his Master's Degree in Business Administration in 1966 through George Washington University. Given his leadership and managerial skills, Bob was assigned as Base Commander at Wake Island in the Pacific. Moving to Scott AFB, Military Airlift Command (MAC) Headquarters, Bob worked in the Plans Division, developing normal and contingency operation planning for the MAC airlift fleet. He was next assigned to Charleston AFB as Wing Comptroller. Bob ensured the financial health of the wing and timely personnel payments. While at Charleston, Bob served as a Deacon and School Board President in the First Baptist Church. A highlight of his Chamber of Commerce affiliation was hosting General Jimmie Doolittle. Bob taught courses in finance at the University of Charleston. Culminating a successful Air Force career, Bob retired from the Air Force in Charleston, S.C. on April 1, 1977. Employing his financial experience and education, Bob joined the South Carolina National Bank of Charleston and retired as a Senior Vice President. In 2008, after retiring from banking, he and his wife Dorrie moved back to Dover. Dorrie had requested "take me back to where you found me." After returning to Delaware, Bob was diagnosed with Multiple Melanoma. He participated in a University of Pennsylvania melanoma study by Dr. Vogl aimed at combating consequences of Bob's exposure to Agent Orange during the Vietnam conflict. Bob was respected as a professional officer by his fellow officers and airmen. His reputation in banking was impeccable. He was a devoted husband and father. Bob is survived by his loving wife of 57 years, Dorrie; daughter, Kara Shan Kessinger; son, Robert Clark Kessinger, II and his wife Sarah. Services were held Saturday, Nov. 12, 2016 at Torbert Funeral Chapel. Letters of condolences may be sent and guest book signed at www.torbertfuneral.com