BORN

1929

DIED

2014

FUNERAL HOME

Diablo Valley Funeral Home

1390 Monument Blvd.

Concord, California

Robert Rhoades Obituary

Robert (Bob) Rhoades
Aug 29, 1929-Mar 29, 2014
Resident of Walnut Creek
Robert (Bob) Rhoades was born August 29, 1929 in Oakland, California.
Bob grew up in Lafayette and graduated from Acalanes High School in 1947. He joined the US Air Force in 1948, reaching the rank of Staff Sergeant as a Flight Engineer in C-47s and B-25s.
Bob was employed in various occupations. In 1958, he joined the Lafayette Fire Protection District, which became part of the Contra Costa County Fire Protection District. In his thirty year career in the fire service, he worked his way up through the ranks as a Firefighter, Engineer, Inspector, Captain, Fire Marshal, Battalion Chief, and Assistant Fire Chief.
During that time Bob met his wife-to-be, Carolyn, at a firefighters picnic. They fell in love and were married in May, 1962. They had two sons, Mark and Michael.
In September, 1957, Bob joined Bible Study Fellowship, and after learning the true gospel, received Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior. He and Carolyn became members of the Evangelical Free Church of Walnut Creek (now NorthCreek Church) in 1979, where Bob served as an Elder and a Bible study leader.
In 1985, he accepted the position of Fire Chief at the Lawrence Berkeley Laboratory Fire Department. In addition to the normal activities as Fire Chief, he was involved in coordinating his department's operations at the Loma Prieta earthquake in 1989, and the Oakland-Berkeley Hills fire in 1992.
Over the years, Bob has enjoyed many activities including car racing, boat racing, fishing, skiing, tennis, sailing, listening to big band and country music, and in church, singing such hymns as "Amazing Grace", "How Great Thou Art", and "And Can it Be".
A Celebration of Bob's life will take place at 11 a.m. Saturday April 19, at NorthCreek Church, 2303 Ygnacio Valley Road, Walnut Creek.
One of his greatest wishes is that all his friends, relatives and neighbors would learn the true gospel, as presented in the Holy Bible, and receive Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior before it's too late.

Published by Contra Costa Times on Apr. 13, 2014.
34465541-95D0-45B0-BEEB-B9E0361A315A

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Memories and Condolences
for Robert Rhoades

Sponsored by East Bay Times.

Not sure what to say?





1 Entry

Carolyn, I am so sorry for your loss. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.

Vicki Delbridge

April 18, 2014

Showing 1 - 1 of 1 results

Make a Donation
in Robert Rhoades's name

Memorial Events
for Robert Rhoades

Apr

19

Celebration of Life

11:00 a.m.

NorthCreek Church

2303 Ygnacio Valley Road, Walnut Creek, CA

Funeral services provided by:

Diablo Valley Funeral Home

1390 Monument Blvd., Concord, CA 94520

How to support Robert's loved ones
Commemorate a cherished Veteran with a special tribute of Taps at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Robert Rhoades's life and legacy
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more