Robert ‘Bob’ Anderson of Ridgecrest, CA, passed away October 27, 2023, at the age of 79 in Bakersfield from health complications.
Bob was born and raised in Montana. Growing up, Bob helped his mom with the water delivery truck. He had a paper route and sold papers on corners. In fact, he had his younger sister Judy go into the bars to sell papers – she would go in shoeless, looking like an orphan, to sell more papers. Regardless, he was a great big brother who watched over all of his siblings.
After his high school graduation, he joined the Navy SeaBee Reserves, serving 6 years, including a tour in Vietnam. He worked as an electronic technician, assuring that communication lines were up and running for the military as well as for a local Catholic orphanage. He and several other men made toys for the kids, dug a well, and became brothers and uncles for the children while they were there. He was even assisting in the adoption of 7 of the children.
He was also assigned as the battalion’s sniper to protect them as he was found to be the best shot, even beating out the specially trained Marines at the time. He is a Purple Heart recipient and was given the option for a sniper award (which he refused) for his service. His dedication and commitment to his military service exemplified his unwavering loyalty and patriotism toward the United States.
After his time in the Navy, he returned to the States, married his first wife, Nancy, and graduated with his bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. While in college, Amy, his eldest daughter, was born, and he would read his engineering books to her so that he could spend time with her and get his studies in. After graduation, he moved his family to Ridgecrest – where Lori, his youngest daughter, was born. Here, he would join his Navy brother, Mel Foremaster, to begin his career at Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake. Bob worked in a variety of different areas and received several awards, including the LTE Thompson Award, prior to his retirement after 40+ years of service.
After the death of his first wife, he met and married Sheron, adding Trisha, Debbie, and Danny to the family, whom he loved as his own children. They celebrated 36 years of marriage just prior to his death. Sheron and Bob ministered together in several different areas – Prison ministries, mission trips like Zimbabwe, prayer teams, Veteran’s Standdown, and many other areas of ministry.
Bob was very active in his local church, Hope City Church, with his wife, Sheron. He was an usher, part of the prayer team, and assisted in any way he could. You would always find him encouraging and praying for people.
Bob is survived by his Wife, Sheron, and his children, Amy (Troy) Taylor, Lori (Jerry) Follett, Debbie Ray, Trisha Ray, and Danny (Rebekah) Ray.
He held a close relationship with his siblings Judy (Ed) Rogers, Karen (Tag) Gross, Gail (Mike) Leppert, Barbara (Kevin) McCandless, David (Carol) Anderson and Daniel (Denise) Olson.
His pride and joy were his grandchildren – Kayli Paris, Emily Pappe, Boaz and Natalie Hoffman, Carson Taylor, Trevor Follett, Ciera and Logan Dilley, Chad and Lauren Collins, Sarah Dullum, and 8 beautiful great-grandchildren – ALL of whom he would describe as his favorite. With that said, he would take any chance he could to watch any event his grandkids were involved in, from birthdays and sports to award ceremonies and graduations. Whatever the occasion, he was there to show support and celebrate his favorite grandchildren. Celebrating the people in his life is who he was.
He was preceded in death by his father, Hubert Anderson, mother Jewel Prouty, first wife Nancy Anderson, brother Brian Anderson, and sister Darlene Olson.
Celebration of life will be on November 18, 2023, at 10:00 a.m. at Hope City Church, 800 Upjohn, Ridgecrest, CA, with a reception to follow.
In lieu of flowers, please donate in Bob’s name to either –
- Veteran’s Advisory Council PO Box 805, Ridgecrest, CA 93556 or donate directly to their Desert Valleys FCU account (Bob served annually at the Veteran’s Standdown)
- Ronald McDonald House at rmhc.org (Bob’s granddaughter Emily stayed here when her daughter was in the NICU at Cedar Sinai)
He will be laid to rest at Bakersfield National Cemetery, Arvin, CA, with military honors.