Robert Thomas Putnam

Robert “Bob” Putnam died peacefully in his sleep on Sunday morning, September 7, 2025, in Sun City Center, Florida.

Bob was born on October 31, 1945, in Rockville Center, New York, to Charles and Marjorie (Udell) Putnam. He was a 1967 graduate of the University of Dayton.

Bob enlisted in the Vietnam War in December 1968 and served three years as a United States Army Infantry Officer, earning the Silver Star, two Bronze Stars, and two Purple Hearts for his valor and service. He was honorably discharged with the rank of First Lieutenant.

Bob began his military journey with Basic and Advanced Infantry Training at Fort Dix, New Jersey, followed by Officer Candidate School at Fort Benning, Georgia. After commissioning, he served with the 54th Infantry at Fort Knox, Kentucky, completed Jungle Training in Panama, and was deployed to Vietnam. There, he joined Company C, 1st Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment ("Wolfhounds"), under the 25th Infantry Division ("Tropic Lightning"). His tour included leading a platoon, working alongside MACV and Australian forces, and supporting operations with the Brown Water Navy along the Vietnam-Cambodia border, including the Cambodian invasion.

Bob often reflected on the dangers his unit faced, especially the daily threat of booby traps, describing it as “a version of Russian Roulette.” After his tour, Bob returned home to his family and friends. On August 6, 1994, Bob married Lou Cynda Edwards. The couple lived on Simonton Lake in Elkhart, Indiana, for 30 years, enjoying boating, fishing, and, of course, their faithful dogs. They enjoyed the outdoors, especially biking together on their tandem, white-water rafting, and traveling to places like Australia and Mount Rushmore. Bob was also an avid golfer. Bob was president of the Simonton Lake Sportsmen's Club for two years and a very active member for 30 years.

Bob was a credit manager for 16 years at Philips Products, Elkhart, Indiana, and a credit analyst for 15 years at Philips Industries, Dayton, Ohio

Bob and Lou retired to Sun City Center, Florida, in 2021. Bob remained deeply committed to veterans' causes. He was active in the Military Officers Association of America (MOAA), Honor Flight, and held memberships in VFW Post 8108, American Legion Sun City Center Post, and regularly attended Bob’s Vets of Ruskin Thursday breakfasts. In 2024, he was honored with the Congressional Veterans Commendation by Congressman Vern Buchanan.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Dennis Putnam, and his nephew Stephen Sutton. He is survived by his wife, Lou; son, Greg (Susan) Putnam; daughter, Michele (Rob) Twitchell; grandsons, Joseph (Samantha) Putnam and Quenten Galbraith; three great-grandsons; sister, Lois (Putnam) Corridi; nephews Dennis (Kacie) Sutton, Matthew (Justine) Schulte, Paul Lutz, Andy Lutz; several cousins; and their dogs, Buddy and Bennie.

A military service was held at Sarasota National Cemetery at 11:00 AM on Tuesday, September 16, 2025, followed by a luncheon at St. Andrew Presbyterian Church in Sun City Center.

Bob will be remembered for his courage, his love of life, and his unwavering dedication to his country and fellow veterans.

Instead of flowers, donations may be made in Bob’s name to Dogs, Inc. (formerly Southeastern Guide Dogs) 4210 77th St E, Palmetto, FL 34221.