Bob Beltz, an active member of the Clarkdale Historical Society & Museum,  passed away this summer at age 96.  Bob was a major donor of rare historical material to the museum.  He received the Society's Legacy Award in 2010.

The archivists mentioned that he was meticulous in identifying locations, events, and individuals in the many photos he provided and reviewed.  Often referred to as 'Mr. Clarkdale', Bob will be missed but remembered with great fondness for his extraordinary memory, wonderful sense of humor, laughter, and gentle ways. A videotape of Bob recalling his years growing up in Clarkdale is available for viewing on the Clarkdale Historical Society's website, click here... Resources/Oral Histories

From the archives: 

Bob was born on 16 Jan 1925 in Winfield, KS.  He moved to Clarkdale in Sep 1928 and graduated from the Clarkdale High School in 1943.  Bob was in the Army Air Force from 11 July 1943 to 9 Sep 1945.  Bob was a 1st Lieutenant stationed in Glatton, England.  He was a navigator on a B-17 flying fortress, a 4-engine bomber.  He flew 26 combat missions over Germany.  Bob was recalled to serve in the "Korean Police Action" from 5 May 1951 to 24 July 1952.  He served as a navigator-bomardier, flying 51 missions in a B-26 two-engine bomber over North Korea.   

Contributed by the Wicks Family/Felicia Coates