Robert W. “Bob” Nourse, 80, passed away peacefully at home on August 22, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family after a brave 20-year battle with metastatic renal cancer.
Born in Oceanside, CA on September 4, 1945, Bob’s story was fundamentally defined by two great devotions: the skies and his family. Drafted into the U.S. Air Force after graduating from Indiana University, Bob turned his duty into a distinguished 20-year career. He took to the clouds in the F-4 fighter jet, flying in the Vietnam War, serving at the Pentagon, and commanding the 91st Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron in Austin, Texas. Even after retiring from military service, he couldn’t leave the air behind, spending another 16 years as an American Airlines captain at the controls of the MD-80.
Yet for all the thousands of hours he spent in the cockpit, Bob’s favorite place was always right next to Linda Fairbanks, his high school sweetheart. Bob and Linda married in 1966 and built a deeply loving 60-year life together.
Bob didn’t just walk into a room; he brought it to life. He possessed an innate curiosity about people, an easy quick wit, and a genuine talent for making anyone feel seen, valued, and instantly welcomed. Whether sitting on the porch during summers at Lake Wawasee, playing a round at his golf community in Estero, Florida, or cheering on his beloved Indiana Hoosiers (finally getting to witness that long-awaited football national championship), Bob was happiest when surrounded by family and good friends.
His greatest legacy isn’t written in flight logs, but in the kindness, humor, and empathy he passed on to his family.
Bob is survived by his devoted wife, Linda; his children, Cheryl (Eric) Shroff, Andrew (Monica) Nourse, Brian (Somer) Nourse, and Debra (Armand) Moon; nine cherished grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. He was reunited in peace with his parents, Myron H. Nourse and Dorothy Pitkins, and his sister, Margaret Ann Umphrey.
Celebration of Life
- Saturday, August 29, 2026
- Time: 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
- Flanner Buchanan (Carmel, Indiana)
In lieu of flowers, consider a donation to the Kidney Cancer Association in memory of Bob.
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