Robert Karlsson

Robert Karlsson of Middletown, DE died peacefully at home on December 28, 2018 at the age of 89. Robert was born in Pennsylvania to John and Winifred Bailey Karlsson. Robert was an accomplished steeplechase jockey in his early years and had a small role in “National Velvet” as a jockey. He raced until he enlisted in the Army Airborne during the Korean War. He was in the artillery and spent much time on the front lines as a forward observer. He also spent time in Japan during the Occupation. After the war, he became a carpenter apprentice and for the last 20 years he worked at Canterra Construction Co. as a building superintendent. Bob was a lifetime member of the Delaware Radio Control Club at Lum’s Pond. Bob and his good buddy Fred Lumb shared a passion for model airplanes and spent many happy hours building, flying and talking about model airplanes. Bob was a member of the Academy of Model Aeronautics. He was a 30 year board member of the Radio Control Contest Board. Bob enjoyed building and flying WWII model airplanes. He was known as a superb scale model builder and was an excellent flyer. He won many local contests and attended many AMA National contests. He was referred to as “Mr. Wildcat” for the Wildcat Model that he designed and flew at many national contests. Bob is predeceased by his wife Celesta. He is survived by daughter Nanci Hamilton, his sister Jean Thompson and brother in law Floyd (Spike), formerly of Kennett Square, PA. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews. Services will be private.

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