Robert Willard Klock

Robert Willard Klock, 92, of Bentonville, Ark., died Tuesday, Feb. 25, 2014, at a local skilled care center. He was born Sept. 30, 1921, in Fredonia, Kan., the son of Elizabeth Josephine Sullivan and George Edwin Klock. In 1936 he earned his Eagle Scout badge and in 1939 graduated from Fort Smith High School. After graduation he traveled extensively with his brother, Ed. After being invited to join MENSA, he planned to enroll at MIT the following year. However, world events caused him to postpone his plans and he enlisted in the Army Air Force. During World War II he flew to Europe, Africa and the Middle East. The passion he acquired during the war for aviation led him to accept a position with Pan American World Airways. He married Betty Jean Cobb, a model with John Robert Powers, from New York. They first lived in San Francisco, from where Bob flew to Hawaii and the Far East. He later was based in Rio de Janeiro, where Bob and Betty Jean were avid tennis players at Rio Country Club. After the death of his wife, Bob returned to the USA and applied his engineering skills in television broadcasting. For most of this career he was a sound engineer for NBC and was the audio director for Johnny Carson, David Letterman, Saturday Night Live, Evening News and other programs originating from New York City. After retirement, he became a flight instructor and obtained a helicopter pilot license. He shared his passion for flying by teaching many students. He is preceded in death by his parents; wife, Betty Jean Klock; and brother, Ed. Bob is survived by Carolyn Klock of Fort Smith, and Robert David Klock and his wife, Maritza, of Bentonville. Through his second marriage, Bob is survived by Patricia Dicenso and her husband, David, and Kenneth Klock of Wayne, N.J. He is also survived by five grandchildren, Stephanie Klock-Peterson (Scott), Caroline Klock, Michael Dicenso, Brandon Dicenso and Rebecca Dicenso. Visitation will be Sunday, March 2, 2014, from 2 until 4 p.m. at Epting Funeral Home in Bentonville. Graveside service will be Monday, March 3, 2014, at 11 a.m. at Rose Lawn Cemetery in Fort Smith, with the Rev. William A. Cheyne of First United Methodist Church in Fort Smith officiating. Memorials may be sent to the Salvation Army. Condolences: www.eptingfuneralhome.webs.com.