Robert Donald "Bob" Paquette, age 90, of Norris, passed away peacefully in his sleep on Wednesday, February 27, 2019 at the Methodist Medical Center in Oak Ridge.  Bob was a member of Norris Public Safety since the late 1970's, was a trained firefighter for the Norris Fire Department, a dispatcher for the Norris Police and Fire departments, a 32 ^nd Degree Mason at the Andersonville Lodge, a member of the Elks Club in Oak Ridge, a member of the Eastern Star, and a member of the Clinton Church of Christ. He was a happy member of the community of Norris and the larger community of Anderson County, always ready to serve, and always delighted to give of his time. He could be seen every Fourth of July for decades, flipping burgers and roasting hot dogs for the Norris Fire Department.

Bob Paquette was a proud veteran of the United States Air Force and the Korean Conflict, having flown 32 bombing missions over Korea, where he also received the Purple Heart, and numerous commendations for service and bravery under fire. He was a hero not only to his family, but a humble and self-effacing hero to his Country as well.

Everyone who knew him, knew him as a kind-hearted man, as a man unhesitatingly ready to serve his neighbors and his nation. He was always happy to lend a hand - and more than one family member came to Bob Paquette in their final days, when they could no longer care for themselves.

His life, his impact on the City of Norris, is indelible. Those who knew him will always remember him with a smile.

Bob Paquette is preceded in death by his loving and devoted wife Ella Ruth Paquette; his parents, Lawrence and Helen Walker; by his siblings, Dorothy "Dot" Paquette, Walter Paquette, Emil Paquette, Patricia Stoll, and John "Jack" Paquette.

He is survived by his daughter, Jackie Patton and her husband Jason; his son Robert Eric Paquette and wife Huyen; by his 3 wonderful and adoring grandchildren: Joshua, Jeremiah, and Joseph Patton; by his very special friend Carolyn Cornett; as well as several nieces, nephews, and cousins scattered across numerous States and at least 3 countries.

The family will receive friends from 5:00-7:00 p.m., Friday, March 1 ^st , 2019 at the Clinton Church of Christ in Clinton, Tennessee.  His funeral service will follow with Mike Smith officiating.  His graveside service will be held at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, March 2 ^nd at Norris Memorial Garden with full military honors.

In lieu of flowers the family requests memorials be made to Bob Paquette's favorite charity, the Jones Mission Fund c/o Clinton Church of Christ, P.O. Box 298, Clinton, TN  37717. The Jones Mission fund builds homes and schools for orphans and underprivileged children in under-served and rural areas of India, as well as providing healthy and nourishing meals. Holley Gamble Funeral Home in Clinton is in charge of all arrangements. holleygamble.com