Robert E. Haug

Robert E. “Bob” Haug, 97, of Fort Myers, Florida, passed away peacefully at his residence on Sunday, August 16, 2026, following a brief illness. Robert was born on January 21, 1929, in Emmett, Kansas, a son of the late August B. and Blanche B. (née Becker) Haug. The last surviving of their 14 children, Robert’s passing marks the close of a generation of the Haug family. Near the end of World War II, Robert enlisted in the United States Navy. Following his period of service, he was honorably discharged as the Navy reduced its forces with servicemen returning home from the war. He then began a career in Civil Service at Muroc Air Force Base in California. It was there, in May 1947, that Robert met the love of his life, Janet. The couple married on July 12, 1947, beginning a devoted marriage that would span more than 64 years until Janet’s passing in 2011. Bob had a lifelong love of aviation. He took flying lessons and earned his pilot’s license, turning his passion for flight into an important part of his life and, eventually, his career. In 1950, he joined the Army National Guard, continuing his commitment to service. In July 1958, Bob began training with the Federal Aviation Administration to become an air traffic controller. After completing his training, his career took him and his family to communities throughout the country, including Kansas City, Missouri; Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan; Goodland, Kansas; Anchorage, Alaska; Russell, Kansas; Wichita, Kansas; Fort Myers, Florida; and finally Washington, D.C. He retired in 1985 after a long and distinguished career helping to ensure the safety of those traveling the nation’s skies. Following his retirement, Bob settled in Fort Myers, moving to Southwest Florida from Fredericksburg, Virginia. For more than 40 years, Fort Myers was the place he called home. Bob was a faithful member of Our Lady of Light Catholic Community and a Fourth Degree member of the Knights of Columbus, Our Lady of Light Council #10498. He was also a member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles in Kansas. Above all, Bob’s life was centered on family. His 97 years carried him from a childhood in Kansas through military service, a career in aviation, and homes across the country. Through it all, he remained devoted to his family, his faith, his country, and the many communities fortunate enough to have been part of his remarkable journey. Bob is survived by his seven children, Charolette D. Merten; Robert E. Haug, Jr. (Marcia); Keith E. Haug; Ronald D. Haug; David M. Haug (Dolores); Denise Streno (Shannon); and Daniel W. Haug; as well as 15 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; his beloved wife, Janet E. Haug, who passed away on October 19, 2011; and his 13 siblings. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, August 24, 2026, at 12:00 noon at Our Lady of Light Catholic Community, 19680 Cypress View Drive, Fort Myers, Florida 33967. The family will receive friends for visitation at the church beginning at 11:00 a.m. Military honors will follow the Mass. To sign Robert’s guest register or leave online condolences, please visit www.ShikanyFuneralHome.com. Arrangements are being handled by Shikany’s Bonita Funeral Home, Family Owned and Operated Since 1978.

Robert E. Haug

January 21, 1929 - August 16, 2026