Robert Bourbeau

Robert William Bourbeau, 73, of 2305 Third Avenue in Elizabethtown, passed away Monday, February 23 in Cape Fear Valley Hospital in Fayetteville. He was preceded in death by his parents, Wilfred and Celina Bourbeau, and one brother, William Bourbeau.

Bob is lovingly survived by his wife, Sarah Tatum Bourbeau. He is also survived by one son: Robert Bourbeau, Jr. and wife, Carla, of Lumberton; two daughters: Gina DeMaio Clark and husband, Warren, of Longwood, Florida, and Sherry Ann Narreau and husband, David, of Chicopee, Massachusetts; one brother: Wilfred Bourbeau and wife, Eva, of East Windsor, Connecticut; six grandchildren: Carmino, Michael, and Domenique DeMaio, and Averie and Alek Narreau, and Danielle Smith; one great-grand: Adreah Smith. Bob also leaves behind a host of extended family and close friends.

Bob was a true military man. He heroically served our country from 1958 to 1980 in service to the United States Army, as a Sergeant First Class. His service included two tours of duty in Vietnam, two tours in Korea, two tours in Alaska, and three tours in Germany. During military service, Bob was awarded many distinguished recognitions. He received the Soldiers Medal for Heroism in the Republic of Vietnam on 5 June 1968. This Medal is conferred by an Act of Congress and is second only to the Congressional Medal of Honor. Bob also received two Bronze Star Medals, two Meritorious Service Medals, Air Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm, Vietnam Civil Action Medal, Presidential Unit Citation, Meritorious Unit Citation, and Valorous Unit Award.

After retiring from the military, Bob worked with Amherst/Oakham Auto Recycling in Massachusetts. Once Sarah and he moved to Elizabethtown, Bob worked with David Hursey at the Dublin Woodwork Shop, where he repaired and created furniture including rocking chairs, wooden chests, tables, and bookshelves. He became especially well known for his many beautiful multicolored cutting boards and lazy Susans that now grace kitchens and dining rooms all over Bladen County and beyond.

The memorial service honoring Bob's life will be held at Bladen-Gaskins Funeral Home on Sunday, March 1. The family will greet guests beginning at 3:00 pm with the memorial service following at 4:00 pm. Befitting a decorated soldier, and according to his wishes, Bob will be interred in Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Virginia. In place of flowers, memorials may be made to Society of the Honor Guard Tomb of the Unknown Soldier (SHGTUS) P. O. Box 1111 Hermitage, PA 16148.