Richard “Toby” Tobias, Lt. Col. USAF (Ret.)

Richard “Toby” Tobias Richard Larry “Toby” Tobias (Lt. Col., USAF-Ret.), 77, Bellevue, Neb., passed away Saturday (3-8-14) in Bellevue. Toby was born March 11, 1936, in Benton County, Ind. He grew up and graduated from high school in Remington, Ind., where he played baseball and basketball, was class valedictorian and band president, and went to boy’s state. After attending Purdue University for a year, he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force. During his 22-year career, Toby advanced to the rank of Lt. Col., and served as a KC-135 and RC-135 pilot and aircraft commander, and a squadron commander. Highlights include flying 164 hours of refueling missions during the Tet Offensive in 1968, developing procedures to refuel newly-introduced SR-71 aircraft and earning numerous awards, including a Meritorious Service and Air Force Commendation medals. After retiring from the Air Force in 1978, Toby was a private pilot and worked in aviation. Toby was a devoted husband and father, taking great pride in helping with and following the activities of his children and grandchildren, including serving as a Boy Scout leader. He was a fan of auto racing and talented “fixer” and “creator” of things; his other passions included woodworking and photography. He was a member of American Legion Post 32 (Papillion), Eagles Club 3912 (Bellevue), VFW Post 10727 (Bellevue) and the 55th Air Wing Association. He was also an active volunteer for the VFW and Eastern Nebraska Veterans Home in Bellevue. Toby is survived by his wife, Lois Tobias; son Mike and daughter-in-law Jane Tobias of Lincoln, Neb.; daughter Vicki Tobias of Madison, Wis.; son Scott Tobias of Austin, Texas; and grandchildren Kristin, Alex and Lauren Tobias, all of Lincoln, Neb., and Ariella Rader of Madison, Wis. He was preceded in death by parents Clifford and Clara Tobias, and son-in-law Steve Rader. Visitation and Memorial Service will be held at Bellevue Memorial Funeral Chapel, 2202 Hancock St., Bellevue, Neb. Visitation is Tuesday, March 11, 5 to 7 p.m.; Memorial Service is Wednesday, March 12, at 11 a.m. Following the Memorial Service, there will be a lunch at the Bellevue Eagles Club, 209 W. Mission Ave. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Eastern Nebraska Veterans Home, 12505 S. 40th St., Bellevue, Neb., 68123.

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