Robert William Custer, 81, of Locust Grove, Virginia, passed away on Wednesday, November 28, 2018 at the VCU Medical Center in Richmond, Virginia.  He was the son of  Francis Joseph Custer and Frances (Burroughs) Custer and was raised in Washington D.C.   Robert was a graduate of University of Maryland with degrees in Psychology and Sociology.  He enlisted in the Army NGUS and later qualified for Officer Candidate School.  He joined as a Private E-l and retired as a full Colonel after serving 21 years.    Robert attended the U.S. Command and Staff College in Fort Leavenworth, Kansas and he was selected to attend the U.S. Army War College in Carlisle Barracks, Pennsylvania.

During his enlistment, he was responsible for the personnel and operations of the District of Columbia National Guard troops deployed in the streets of Washington, D.C. during numerous riots in the 60's and 70's.  He was a former consultant to the U.S. Department of Justice, a civilian and military personnel officer in the Pentagon, a U.S. Federal Purchasing and Contracting Officer in Washington, D.C. and other positions of trust and integrity in the public and private sectors.  During his service, he was the recipient of numerous accolades, awards, and consistently received "Outstanding" reviews.  His Judgment Restitution Program in Prince George's County, Maryland was named by the National Association of Counties as the most outstanding restitution program in the country and became the restitution program model nationwide.  Robert was also the CEO of his own international corporation, Creative Cellars, Inc., which owned U.S. and Foreign Patents.

No words can express the tremendous loss of this beautiful and delightful character who was loved, respected and admired by all that knew him.  Our family will forever and ever love him dearly and will continue to hold him deep in our heart of hearts.  We are deeply grateful for the sweet life we had together.   We will forever remember our Roberto… Poppa… Tweety… Colonel… Bob… Terminator… FLB (Fat Little Belly)… and Dad.

Survivors include his wife, Claire;  three daughters, Laurie A. Hale, Shari L. Clatterbuck (Mark), Amy W. Thompson (Richard), son, Robert Custer II, sister, Nancy McKenzie, two grandchildren, Claire Liberty Thompson and James Thomas Hale along with nieces and nephews.  Visitation will be held at Laurel Hill Funeral Home on Wednesday, December 5, 2018 from 10:00 a.m. to 12 noon.  Interment with full military honors at Culpeper National Cemetery held at 1:00 p.m.  In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to Wounded Warriors, Patriot Guard Riders, or other VA organizations of your choice.  Online condolences may be made at laurelhillfuneralhome.com .