Shirley Dalton "Bob" Robertson, 84, formerly of Vinton, died Thursday, March 11, 2010, at his home at Elm Park Estates, after a long and adventurous life. Mr. Robertson was proud of his Naval service during World War II. He joined the Navy at age 18 and served aboard the destroyer, the Laffey, which supported the D-Day landings at Normandy. Later, the Laffey transferred to the Pacific where it suffered multiple injuries when it was attacked by 22 bombers and Kamikazi aircraft. The heroic crew earned the Laffey the name "the ship that would not die" . It was awarded the Presidential Unit Citation and earned 5 battle stars. Mr. Robertson was awarded the American Theatre of War Ribbon, the European African Middle Eastern Area Ribbon, the Asian Pacific Area Ribbon, the Philippine Liberation Ribbon, and on April 16, 1945, he was awarded the Purple Heart. Mr. Robertson spent his career working for the federal government in several capacities. He enjoyed playing the bass, dining out and discussing politics. He loved spending time with his grandchildren. His wife, Betty Heath Robertson, died in 2001. Survivors include his four children, Brenda Robertson, of Dunkirk, Md., Mark Robertson and wife, Stephanie, of Lehigh Acres, Fla., Sandy Moore and husband, David Moore, and Cindy Callahan, all of Roanoke. In addition, he is survived by three grandchildren, Ronnie Brooks, Casey Moore, and Haley Robertson; one sister, Freda Bays; a nephew, Bobby Bays and wife, Mary Ann; and his good friends, Goldie McCormick, Pearl Drewery, Margaret Lawson; and his numerous other friends at Elm Park Estates. A funeral service will be conducted 2 p.m. Monday, March 15, 2010, at Oakey's Vinton Chapel with Pastor Bill Himes officiating. Burial will follow in Fairview Cemetery with Military Honors . The family will receive friends Sunday, March 14, 2010, from 2 to 4 p.m. and from 6 to 8 p.m. at Oakey's Vinton Chapel, 982-2221 .

Published in Roanoke Times from March 13 to March 14, 2010