Robert L. “Bob” Mueller Sr., one of NAAA’s earliest members, passed away July 17 at the age of 96. Mueller was a decorated Marine captain and pilot who started his own aerial application business in 1946 in Breedsville, Mich. Mueller Crop Dusting Service served Michigan’s growers for several decades. Mueller was equally dedicated to the industry and his association. He received NAAA’s Outstanding Service Award in 1990 for his longstanding service.

Besides ag aviation, Mueller was a star swimmer and did some bit acting in movies with the likes of Barbara Stanwyck and Humphrey Bogart. He even dated Hollywood starlet Ann Baxter for a time. Baxter starred in The Ten Commandments with Charlton Heston and won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress in 1946 for her role in The Razor’s Edge.

Mueller was preceded in death by his son, Robert S. Mueller, who was killed in Vietnam in 1967. He leaves behind three daughters, Cathy Moorhead of Kalamazoo, Mich., Chris Mueller of Richland, Mich., and Mary Mueller of Sedalia, Mich. He also has six granddaughters and 13 great-grandchildren.

Friends are invited to share their thoughts and members of Bob Mueller on the family’s online guestbook at www.FilbrandtFFH.com.