Robert Pullen, 90, of Modesto, passed away peacefully in his sleep with his family by his side on Sunday, Jan. 10.
He was born in Glendive, Mont. and was raised on a farm in Allegan, Mich. Robert attended the Naval Academy at Annapolis. He married Reba Mattingly Bennett in November 1944, at Ft. Lincoln, Md. while Robert was working at the Pentagon in Washington D.C. He was a mine disposal and ordinance expert during World War II. He worked in every theater of World War II. Robert received a bachelor’s degree from the University of Michigan and a master’s degree from Stanford University. He worked for the Department of the Navy and NASA in rocket experimentation. He was involved as an engineer for NASA in the Apollo Project. He retired in 1980 and moved to Modesto where he continued to stay active as a math tutor at Modesto Junior College and did some writing in the fields of physics and religion. He also served with the Masonic Lodge and as a Scout Master with Boy Scout Troop 15 in Palo Alto, Calif.
Robert is survived by Louis Bennett of Lafayette, Calif. and Michael Pullen of Modesto; 11 grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Reba Pullen; and two sons, Sheldon and Robert Bennett.
A graveside service is scheduled for 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 20 at San Joaquin Valley National Cemetery.
The family has suggested memorial contributions be considered for the Alzheimer’s Association, 1060 LaAvenida St., Mt. View, CA 94043. Arrangements are entrusted to Allen Mortuary. Please leave memories and condolences at www.allenmortuary.com.
He was born in Glendive, Mont. and was raised on a farm in Allegan, Mich. Robert attended the Naval Academy at Annapolis. He married Reba Mattingly Bennett in November 1944, at Ft. Lincoln, Md. while Robert was working at the Pentagon in Washington D.C. He was a mine disposal and ordinance expert during World War II. He worked in every theater of World War II. Robert received a bachelor’s degree from the University of Michigan and a master’s degree from Stanford University. He worked for the Department of the Navy and NASA in rocket experimentation. He was involved as an engineer for NASA in the Apollo Project. He retired in 1980 and moved to Modesto where he continued to stay active as a math tutor at Modesto Junior College and did some writing in the fields of physics and religion. He also served with the Masonic Lodge and as a Scout Master with Boy Scout Troop 15 in Palo Alto, Calif.
Robert is survived by Louis Bennett of Lafayette, Calif. and Michael Pullen of Modesto; 11 grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Reba Pullen; and two sons, Sheldon and Robert Bennett.
A graveside service is scheduled for 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 20 at San Joaquin Valley National Cemetery.
The family has suggested memorial contributions be considered for the Alzheimer’s Association, 1060 LaAvenida St., Mt. View, CA 94043. Arrangements are entrusted to Allen Mortuary. Please leave memories and condolences at www.allenmortuary.com.
