Captain Robert W. Cummings, age 78 of Seminole, FL, took his last flight heaven bound from Suncoast Hospice, Palm Harbor, FL on October 13, 2018 surrounded by loving family and friends. Bob succumbed to complications associated with Alzheimer's.

Our future aviator was born December 26, 1939 in Duluth, MN. Bob was a good student and graduated from Denfeld High School in Duluth. His interest in aviation and the military emerged early and Bob elected to become active with the Civil Air Patrol (CAP). Through the CAP he availed himself of opportunities to refine his leadership skills and enlarge his aviation knowledge. After high school Bob enrolled at the University of Minnesota Duluth where he earned a business degree and completed the ROTC curriculum for a commission in the U.S. Air Force.

After college graduation Bob reported for Air Force active duty and pilot training at Vance AFB, OK. It was no surprise that he was the first in his class to solo in the T-37. After earning his wings Bob reported to Tyndale AFB for training in the RF-101 Voodoo and the F-102. In time Bob would serve with the 45th Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron at TanSonNhut AB, Vietnam flying the RF-101. During his Vietnam tour Bob flew six very specialized high altitude/low speed flights over North Vietnam which highly exposed him to anti-aircraft missiles while gleaning critical intelligence information. For his courage, skill, and airmanship in performing these missions Bob was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross.

In 1968 Bob elected to leave the active duty Air Force and return to Minnesota where he was hired by the 133rd Airlift Wing, MN Air Guard. He checked out in the C-130 while applying for employment with Northwest Airlines (NWA). Bob began his NWA employment on January 06, 1969. Like his seniority peers, Bob first flew Second Officer (S/O) and Copilot (F/O) on the ubiquitous Boeing 727. As seniority permitted he upgraded to (F/O) on the Boeing 757 and Boeing 747/200. Bob's initial Captain upgrade was on the Boeing 757, an airplane he was particularly fond of, thereafter upgrading to Captain on the Boeing 747/200. This would be the last upgrade for Bob, because he faced mandatory age 60 retirement on December 26, 1999 There is an addendum to Bob?€™s airline career, he flew a short stint with Luxair CARGO out of Luxembourg before hanging up his flying spurs.

Bob was a devoted member of his beloved Harborside Christian Church in Safety Harbor, FL, serving many years on the Safety and Security team. In addition he was a longtime member of the Albert Whitted Airport Preservation Society. Other volunteered work include service with the Eagle Scouts, the Tampa Bay Watch, and JAARS (Jungle Aviation and Radio Service) in mission events and organizing airport events and speaking engagements in local Christian Schools.

Leaving behind a legacy of sacrifice and service, Bob is survived by his wife Suzy, her two children, Shannon Haagsma and Mark Haagsma; daughters, Vickie Moening, Barbara Habiger, Tracy Halle, his sister Linda O' Connor, his brother Don Cummings, and 8 grand-children.