Robert W. “Bob” Lacy Jr.

Retired U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. and retired DIA Senior Robert Wagner “Bob” Lacy Jr., 88, passed away peacefully in his home in Warrenton, on Tuesday, April 30, 2019.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents, Ruth E. Loyd Lacy and Robert W. Lacy Sr.

He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Barbara J. Snyder Lacy of Warrenton; his children living locally, Robert K. Lacy (Cathy) of Oakton, Kevin L. Lacy of Woodbridge, Kathleen M. Avery (Ron) of Warrenton, and his five grandchildren, William, Michael and Maria Laura Lacy, and Thomas and Ryan Morris .

Born in Kansas City, Missouri on February 2, 1931, Bob attended the University of Oregon and entered the United States Air Force during his senior year. Starting as an Air Traffic Controller in California, over the next 27 years he was stationed in Greenland, the Northwest Territories, Northern Virginia, Spain, Oklahoma City, Alaska and Colorado Springs (NORAD) in posts focused on early-warning missile defense. He then served as a wartime space surveillance operations commander in Ko Kha, Thailand before being assigned to the Pentagon in satellite intelligence and missile defense.

Upon his retirement from active duty, Bob served with the Defense Intelligence Agency in various senior intelligence posts until his retirement after 42 years with the Department of Defense. Among his awards are the Defense Meritorious Service with Oak Leaf Cluster, Defense Intelligence Directors Award, National Intelligence Achievement Medal and the Joint Services Commendation and Meritorious Service Medals.

Bob and Barbara traveled extensively during his military career, and his lifelong interests included golf, being involved with his church and spending time with his family and grandchildren. His dry, humorous wit was fueled by a lifetime of experiences, a constant study of history and philosophy and his optimistic outlook on life. Bob will be greatly missed by family and friends.

A memorial service was held on Saturday, May 11, at Liberty United Methodist Church in Bealeton, Va. Burial will be arranged in the immediate future at the Arlington National Cemetery with full military honors.