Robert (Bob) Terry Jakel, 75, a 40-year resident of Enumclaw, Washington, passed away on Saturday, November 11, 2023 at St. Francis Hospital in Federal Way, Washington. Bob was born on April 27, 1948, in Denver, Colorado to John and LaVern (Sloan) Jakel. In 1966, Bob graduated from Weld Central School in Keenesburg, Colorado (where he was known as Bobby) and in 1970, from Colorado State University. After college graduation, he married the love of his life, Marlene (Schott) Jakel and they were both ready for a big adventure.

Bob entered the United States Air Force and went through Officer training then in 1972, he entered Pilot Training at Vance Air Force Base in Enid, Oklahoma. After pilot training graduation, he was assigned to be a T-38 jet pilot instructor and he remained at Vance AFB for that duty. After five years with the Air Force, he was honorably discharged. Bob and his family moved back to the family farm in Keenesburg, Colorado to begin achieving his air transport ratings and certificates to become a commercial pilot. Bob was hired by Braniff Airlines, and he flew for this commercial airline for five years. In 1983, he pursued a pilot position with Alaska Airlines in Seattle, Washington, and he flew for Alaska Airlines for 26 years.

He retired from the flying profession in 2009. While living in the Northwest, Bob loved boating, fishing, and traveling. He passed his boating and fishing skills onto his children and grandchildren.

Being raised on a farm, Bob loved to raise a garden, especially tomatoes. He loved building arbors and tomato cages with his welding skills. He really loved flying and being a Veteran. It was so meaningful that he passed away on Veteran’s Day.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents, John and LaVern (Sloan) Jakel; his in-laws, Albert and Miriam Schott; and his two brothers, Johnnie Jakel and James Jakel.

Bob is survived by his wife of 54 years, Marlene (Schott) Jakel; his son, Robert Chad Jakel and his wife Sheryl (Gohr) Jakel; and his daughter Dana (Jakel) Ross and her significant other David Haworth, Jr. He is also survived by three grandsons, Avery Jakel (Isabella Jakel), Ethan Jakel, and Mason Ross, and his sister Shirley Sirios (Ed).

His wife, children, and grandchildren were the love of his life.

A visitation was held on Tursday, November 16, 2023 from Noon to 4:00PM at Weeks’ Enumclaw Funeral Home. Burial was on Friday, November 17, 2023 at 2:00PM at Enumclaw Evergreen Memorial Park. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, December 2, 2023, at 2:00PM at Calvary Presbyterian Church. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Bob’s name to Calvary Presbyterian Church, 1725 Porter St., Enumclaw, WA 98022.

Please share a memory of Bob on the tribute wall at www.weeksfuneralhomes.com.