Robert Edward Sikes

Robert “Bob” E. Sikes- Sergeant Major United States Army (retired).


Robert E. Sikes was born on May 5, 1932, in Reidsville, Georgia. He was the oldest of eight children born to Hullie and Ollie Sikes. Robert grew up on farms near Lyons, Georgia, and attended schools in Lyons. He enlisted in the United States Army in 1949 at 17. He served on active duty for 27 years and eight months. Robert is a veteran of the Korean and Vietnam wars. He served other overseas tours in Japan and Panama and three tours in Germany. During his first tour in Germany, he met the love of his life, Erika. They dated for a year, married on April 17, 1958, and had 56 wonderful years together.

Robert, Erika, and their daughter Silvia came to Pocatello in August 1975 after Robert had been assigned to the U.S. Army ROTC military service department at ISU. Robert completed his ROTC assignment and voluntarily retired from the U.S. Army on July 31, 1977. Robert’s military awards include the Legion of Merit Medal, Bronze Star Medal, 1st OLC, Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendations Medal, 3rd OLC, United Nations Service Medal, Meritorious Unit Citation, Korean Service Medal, Korean Presidential Unit Citation, Korean Defense Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign, Vietnam Gallantry Cross w/palm, Good Conduct Medal 9th Award, Nation Defense Service Medal w/ 1st OCG.

After retiring from the army, Robert enrolled as a full-time student at ISU. He attended ISU for six consecutive years and earned two B.A. degrees and a Master of Counseling degree. He also became certified as a National Certified Counselor (NCC) and received the Idaho Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) license, and later received his clinical license (LCPC).

From 1984 to 1997, Robert served as the Executive Director for the Center of Resources for Independent People (later changed to Access for Idaho). Robert was always active in veteran affairs and activities. He was the founder and chartering member of the Pocatello Chapter of the Noncommissioned Officers Association (NCOA) in April 1976. He served as their chairman for 12 years. He is also a Knight of the Square Table, Order of Excalibur (Emeritus) in the NCOA. He is also a member of the First Baptist Church in Pocatello.

Robert enjoyed music and traveling. He and his family visited many places throughout the United States and Western Europe. Robert is survived by his beloved daughter Silvia (Carl) Sikes-Wilson, grandson Trenton Young, granddaughter Heather Young, great-grandson Zaiden, his sister Gail Meeks, Kathleen (Roy) Claxton, Linda (Kendall) Pittman, and many nephews and nieces. Robert was preceded in death by his beloved wife Erika, mother and father, and brothers Claude Sikes, Tillman Sikes, David Sikes, and sister Marie Gibson.

Funeral services will be held Wednesday June 29th at 10:30am in the Cornelison Funeral Home, 431 N. 15th Ave., Pocatello. Family will receive friends from 10-10:30am. Burial will be in Mountain View Cemetery section 54E with military honors. Condolences may be sent to the family online at www.cornelisonfh.com 

208-232-0542

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