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Vaughn R. Ross, Sr. (Bobby), Captain, US Army, passed away on March 5th, 2018 in Baton Rouge, LA. Ross was born in Kansas City, MO on February 2, 1944 to Art and Elizabeth Ross, the second of two boys. He moved to Houston as a 3 year old baby then on to Corpus Christi, Texas. Bobby started school in Louisiana and remained there for the rest of his life. He attended Southdowns Elementary, Glasgow Junior High and was a member of the first graduating class of Robert E. Lee High School in 1962. Ross later earned a degree from LSU and in 2015 was inducted into the LSU Corp of Cadets Hall of Honor, which he was very proud of. Ross was inducted into the US Army in 1966 and commissioned a Second Lieutenant at FT. Benning, Georgia's Infantry School. He later attended flight training in Texas and Alabama and earned his wings in 1968 as an Army Aviator and later as a helicopter Instructor Pilot. Ross served in Vietnam from 1969 to 1970 with the 57th Assault Helicopter Company and was shot down twice and wounded once. He was awarded eight medals for valor during his tour of duty in Vietnam including the Distinguished Flying Cross, Bronze Star, Purple Heart and Air Medal with 26- Oak Leaf Clusters. After separating from the Army in 1971, he worked for his brother for several years before co-founding Commercial Helicopters Inc, based in Lafayette, LA, which provided transportation service to the offshore oil industry in the Gulf of Mexico. The company grew to a fleet of 34 helicopters and seven coastal bases during Ross's tenure with the company as Vice President and Director of Operations. The recently married Ross left CHI in 1984 to take an appointment as an undersecretary of the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development-a position he held until 1988-whereupon he began an aviation safety consulting firm that he continued until his death. Ross investigated aircraft accidents and testified in court as an expert witness all those years. Ross's work took him throughout the U.S. and the world. Ross married the former Dawn Chambers and the marriage produced two wonderful children, Katherine Elizabeth Ross and Vaughn Ross Jr. He was also blessed with a granddaughter, Isla Alexandria Ross in 2009 and she is the love of his life. Divorced in 2000, he remained friends with his former wife throughout his later years. He is survived by his children and granddaughter as well as a brother, Arty Ross, and niece, Ashley Ross Russell (Will), and Ashley's two girls, Brooks and Alden Russell. Visitation will be held at Rabenhorst Funeral Home, 825 Government St., on Monday, March 12, from 9:00 am until 11:00 am, with a service to follow at 11:00 am. Ross is to be buried at Arlington National Cemetery in Washington D.C.
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I don't recall the number of times since Bobby's death that I have turned to my wife, Anna, and told her something about Bobby. I recall him as a good friend, who never let me down and always cheered me up. We shared a somewhat similar experience flying helicopters in Nam. Also, we both learned Aircraft Accident Investigation from the Prof. Norm Horton; and Bobby was a great investigator, helping me solve many cases. I really admired him for that. Most of all, I just miss him. His life was always for the other guy before himself; and, there was no greater American Patriot than my friend Bobby Ross
William "Bill" Wimsatt
Friend
March 2, 2023
I worked with Bobby as an aviation lawyer. He was a very capable investigator and a wonderful expert witness. He solved many problems in more than a few of my cases. Mainly, he was a close friend. We shared an interest in flying. Bobby had a warm and engaging manner. I always laughed often and hard, as we swapped stories about Nam, helicopters and cases we worked together. I am surprised and saddened to learn he's flown West. I look forward to seeing him when my time comes. It'll be fun. God bless, Bobby. Bill Wimsatt
Bill Wimsatt
March 18, 2018
There was never a day that wasnt made better by talking with Bobby.
Brian Magana
Friend
March 18, 2018
bobby was sure a nice guy. i painted a corvette for bobby in 1974. he kept me laughing the whole time. he was in the army a few years before me. to have gone to ocs, helicopter school, and done the things he did in vietnam, he must have truly been committed to the army .
liddell newsham
March 13, 2018
I am so sorry we just found out or I would have made it today. My dad Thomas Riker was a really good friend of the entire Ross family and I used to babysit for Bobby and Dawn when they lived at Savoy. Our deepest condolences from the Riker family
Sherri Montagnino
March 12, 2018
Bobby and I had just recently reconnected since early college days when our paths went in different directions. He stayed with us last year on his way to a Nam reunion and was to stay with us again recently but the ice storm changed his plans. We were teenage friends hanging out with Arty, my brother Jon & all our other wonderful friends at their home on Hood Street in Southdowns. Trips Bobby & I took to Grand Isle and False River will be forever remembered. What a treasured time and place for all of us. Patsy & I send our condolences to Bobby's family. What a great guy and friend. Love you Bobby.
Bobby & Patsy DeJean
March 11, 2018
Always funny and nice , I will miss you at the hog hunt. God Bless you and your family !
Mike Ringo
March 9, 2018
I first met Bobby back in the early 60s when he was pin stripping cars at his brother's shop in Southdowns. Bob was always smart and was well accomplished at LSU. During a recent lunch with Bobby he told me a good story while flying Helicopters in Vietnam, and I will always remember how he made me laugh and I just enjoyed our visit. Bobby was always upbeat but he never tried to put the spot light on himself. Even though we both lived in the same subdivision we rarely saw each other. Bobby's passing was both surprising and very saddening to me and I know he will be greatly missed.
Billy Day
March 9, 2018
We lost one of the BEST RIP ''Bob Wire''
Doug Hanesworth
March 9, 2018
Bobby and brother, Arty, have been friends of ours for a very long time. "Bobwire," as I often referred to him, was a wonderful friend. He had a tremendous sense of humor, was so witty; he could always put a smile on your face. He loved his country, and was a true patriot. He loved his family, and never missed an opportunity to let everyone know how very proud he was of his granddaughter, Isla. Our condolences to his entire family. May it be of some consolation in knowing that so many share in your loss.
Dale and Anita Spaht
Friend
March 9, 2018
Will miss our late summer visit at the office. Always had a smile and a story. Thanks for good memories.
Terry and Mary Bennett
March 9, 2018
A friend from Southdowns/Glasgow/Lee High through life. Bobby's optimism and wonderful sense of humor was automatic.
So many talents for one man. An artist, for years I wore an airbrushed sweatshirt he made. Friends for 60+ years might be something of the past, I'm Glad we grew up in those times.
Albert LaCasse
March 9, 2018
Bobby will be loved and missed by all. "Bobwire" was a true friend to everyone. Thank you for your service to our country and God bless you!
Rene Esnard
March 9, 2018
My Pal "Bobbywire" great friend, RIP
Johnny Palazzotto
March 9, 2018
Words can not express the sorrow you feel. I'm so sorry for your loss Vaughn and to your sister and niece as well. You all are in my thoughts and prayers. I know how much you loved your father.
Charlyn Samuel
March 9, 2018
Bobby was one of the nicest people I have ever met. He was so gentlemanlike, always had a smile on his face, and always made people feel special. My Grandmother just loved him. He was a true Hero to many, many people. Prayers for his family in this very difficult time.
Terri Reese
March 9, 2018
So very sorry that Bobby's family has lost this wonderful man. I was only recently in touch with him after many years of not knowing his whereabouts or him knowing mine. He was a great guy back when I knew him in the late 60s early 70s. I visited him while he was stationed at Fort Stewart, GA. My condolences to his family.
Jane Hall Harmon
March 9, 2018
Bobby and I have been friends since junior high days. Bobby was the one of the best and most courageous people I have had the privilege to know. My nickname for Bobby was "Bobby Who", a story behind this his friends all know. I had lunch with Bobby and a regular group of our high school friends that we call Billy Powell lunch, named after another friend who passed away recently. I sat next to Bobby and we laughed and talked the whole time. Bobby - I'm going to miss you and I look forward to seeing you on the other side.
Edward L. (Ned) Newsham
March 8, 2018
I am so sorry for your lost Katherine! He was such a sweet man and I will miss seeing him at all of Isla's school performances, or just coming by school to check on her. Always so kind, he never met a stranger. Our thoughts and prayers for you and your family.
Laura Naquin
March 8, 2018
It's always a pleasure to visit with Bobby very interesting guy and very nice guy he will be missed greatly
John Cricket Neely
March 8, 2018
I met Bobby in 1971. He was truly the nicest, funniest and kindest man. I will miss his laughter and his sarcasm. I am so proud to have had Bobby as my friend.
My sincere condolences to all of us who have lost such a special man.
Anna Edwards
March 8, 2018
Bobby was always such a gentleman. Just a nice guy. You never heard that he was a "hero" from him. My prayers are with his family.
Sue Cutrer Miller
March 8, 2018
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