MOHAWK - Robert L. Church age 71 of Griffin Road passed away on Sunday morning January 28, 2007 in Saint Lukes Memorial Hospital Center . He had the comfort of his loving family at his side. He was born on July 31, 1935 in Herkimer, son of the late Leon Francis and Verna Edgett Church . He was raised in Herkimer and was a graduate of Herkimer High School . On October 20, 1953 he entered the US Air Force where he was a drill instructor and was in Law Enforcement and Corrections serving with the Military Police. During his military career he had served in Vietnam and was honorably discharged on March 15, 1974 after twenty-two years of dedicated service with the rank of Technical Sergeant. On June 2, 1956 he married the former Viola Rose Washburn in the First United Methodist Church Herkimer. The Reverend Fred Cotnam officiated. As a benefit of Bobs career they traveled the world over and got to see many things and live in many places. After his military service they returned to Herkimer and in 1980 moved to their home in Mohawk. Mr. Church had a strong belief in God and was of the Methodist faith. In his leisure time he was an avid hunter and fisherman. He also enjoyed watching NASCAR races and was a devoted fan of Jeff Gordon. To all who knew him they will remember his friendly manner and warm smile. He was a friend to many will never be forgotten. Surviving are his loving wife of fifty years Viola, five sons, Robert L. Church Jr. and his partner Gary Slavin of New York City, David Lee Church and his wife Tina of Pocahontas, IL, Dale G. Church and his wife Janice of Dayton, OH, Mark A. Church and his wife Robin of Mohawk, Michael S. Church and his companion Melanie Hajclasz of Ilion, a sister Joan Scalise of Norwich, a brother-in-law, Dorland Bud McEwen of Latham, ten grandchildren, Justin, Meaghan, Brett, Julia, Nicole, Jessica, Cody and Brandon Church, Joshua and Jonathan Brown, several nieces, nephews and cousins. Besides his parents he was preceded in death by a sister Patricia McEwen. Funeral service will be on Wednesday at 10:00 am in Fenner Funeral Home Inc., 115 Court Street, Herkimer. Chaplain Lt. Col. James Jadick USAFR will officiate. Interment with full military honors will take place later this spring in Oak Hill Cemetery . The family will be present in the funeral home to receive relatives and friends on Tuesday from 2:00 to 4:00 and 6:00 until 8:00 pm. Expressions of sympathy may be made with memorial donations to the VanHornesville Volunteer Fire Department or the American Cancer Society. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.