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1928 - 2013

BORN

1928

DIED

2013

Robert Monroe Obituary

ROBERT LEE MONROE
AUG. 13, 1928 - MAR. 7, 2013
Robert Lee Monroe was welcomed into the family of Renty and Mary Alice Monroe on August 13, 1928, the youngest of 12 children. Our beloved husband, father and grandfather went to be with the Lord on March 7, 2013.
Robert is survived by his loving wife of 57 years Connie Monroe; son Robert L. Monroe Jr. (Karen); daughters Silvy O. Monroe and Sonya D. January (Michael); and grandchildren Christopher Monroe, Cameron Monroe, Sarah January, James January and numerous nieces and nephews.
In 1973, after serving 20 years in the United States Air Force, Robert retired with the rank of Major. Following his military retirement, he was employed by the County of Merced for 12 years and retired as an Assistant Veterans Service Officer in 1987.
He was a member of the Military Officers Association of America, Christian Life Center of Merced, past member of Christian Business Men's Committee, a life member of the NAACP and also The Gideons International.
A Celebration of Life for Robert will be held on Sunday, March 17, at 2:00 p.m. at Christian Life Center, 650 E. Olive Avenue. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate contributions to Christian Life Center Senior's Ministry or The Gideons International, P.O. Box 2683, Merced, CA 95344. The family expresses appreciation to all those involved in our loved ones care.
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Published by Merced Sun Star from Mar. 14 to Mar. 15, 2013.

Memories and Condolences
for Robert Monroe

20 Entries

James G Mann

March 9, 2024

A wonderful brother-in law who lived a life
of love and generosity. He loved his family
dearly and patterned his life after his creator.
He will continue to be missed by family and
friends.

John Blue

February 23, 2014

Remembering Uncle Robert and his passing has brought full circle the impact he had on our entire extended family. He was the one whom we looked to as the family's patriarch and the one who set standards of achievement in life. He played a leading role in guiding a host of my siblings, nieces and nephews and me with his inspiring life example. There aren't enough words to fully describe the impact he had on so many lives; his character, faith and belief was always prominent and he never strayed from either. He was a kind and gentle soul from whom I neither witnessed an angry moment nor heard the utterance of a profane word. We are proud to have stood upon his shoulders, for he cleared the pathway for succeeding generations (my family and others) to dream beyond one's circumstances and rise upward from poverty. We were thrilled to have had him as an Uncle; more importantly, we were grateful to have been able to call him friend.
Trust and guidance are two words that come to mind when I think of my Aunt Connie and Uncle Robert. These words come to mind more as a by-product of my having known them for over fifty years. They both provided guidance through their examples to my generation and for a host of great grandnieces and great grandnephews. We trusted their examples and were able to forge a pathway toward achieving useful purposes in life. Growing up in southeastern North Carolina, one had few opportunities outside the realm of farm life. However, I realized early on, as Uncle Robert also probably recognized, that education could serve as passport to better opportunities outside the small community in which we lived. He was the first in the Monroe family to graduate college and only military officer I knew as I was growing up; I did not know early on that I would one day follow his example as well through service to our nation as a military officer. He often told me that my siblings and I had a remarkable story of what we had achieved in life. I am mindful of the fact that his example was a catalyst for encouraging and inspiring a desire for improving and achieving possibilities that may not have been affirmed without his own achievements. The highlight of most of our summers were the times we knew Uncle Robert and family were coming to visit. It was a time of fun and happiness and presented us a chance to become reacquainted. The bitter part of those summers was seeing the Monroe clan driving off into the distance, gone for another year or more. Although physically away from us, they were always with us in spirit, thought and prayer. And, they were with us in other ways as well. I can still remember the various magazines and periodicals that were delivered to our home. Although they were addressed to Uncle Robert, I understood their purpose. I spent many hours learning new words and reading about distant lands. It occurred to me then that my dreams should not be limited to my circumstances but should be expanded to meet my possibilities. I also recall the anthology of African American history that showed up in our home. No one knows for certain from whence it came but it served to give my brothers and sisters a more comprehensive awareness of African American contributions to this nation. Though I can't say Aunt Connie and Uncle Robert sent it to us, it surely sounds like something they would have done, as they were forever educators.
Uncle Robert's life achievements made him an Icon within our family and he continues to serve as a shining example for the next generation to emulate. We know we have been blessed to have had him as a part of our lives. Although Uncle Robert had some difficult days toward the end of his life, his love of God was always evident and remained unchanged. He certainly loved the Lord, which was demonstrated by his life's work and dedication to Jesus' teaching. And, in love with God brought him salvation, redemption and forgiveness. I imagine when the Angels descended from Heaven to claim his soul last March, they did not say “I do not know you”. I imagine they said “I know you; I know your soul, your heart, your works and your spirit. Welcome Home; job well done.” Uncle Robert was more than just an uncle; he was my friend and I will continue to miss my friend. As we look back over the past year, let us remember that God continues to bless us all. We have much of which to be thankful.

Sandra C. Robinson

May 16, 2013

Know that we are with you and the family as you journey through tomorrow's emotions. It will be different because it marks finality....you can't go back and look at him. He and his sisters and brothers are having a grand ole time outtalking each other, as Grandpa and Grandma Monroe look on with pride at their legacy; as your dad looks on with much pride of his legacy...his children and grandchildren.
In faith, we will emerge from pressure much stronger because our journeys will require these lessons learned and will prove that God will not burden us with more than we can bear because He does not leave us; it's too heavy when we leave Him.
Always look up....for there is joy in the morning. It is a new day for Uncle Robert; he is HOME.
Love to all and an extra hug for Aunt Connie.

Giffen & Jocelyn Mann

April 30, 2013

Robert was a wonderful father, a devoted
husband and a man who had given his life
to Christ. We will miss him.

Giffen and Jocelyn Mann

April 16, 2013

RIP Uncle Robert. From Kyle and Hunter Cox

Mann

April 16, 2013

Dear Monroe family,
As our pastor says, Uncle Robert has been "promoted to glory!" Due to the precious gift of our Lord Jesus Christ, you all are able to look forward to seeing him again in Heaven. We truly sympathize with your loss, however, and have been praying that the Lord is bringing you peace at this time. Uncle Robert was a brilliant man, setting an example to us all.
With love, Jamey, Marianne, Jaran & Maria Mann

Yollanda Murphy Griddine

April 15, 2013

To the Monroe family my prayers go out to you all. Iam sorry for your lost. I was searching for my friend from long ago, and came across her fathers obituary. May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.

April 15, 2013

My best wishes to my Aunt Connie and my cousins in this sad time. I'll miss my Uncle Robert as the seasons continue to pass. Bill Lofton

March 17, 2013

To the Monroe Family (my family),
May God bless and comfort each of you. Know that Dad is in a much better place because of the life he lived and the people whose lives he touch. Silvy, thank you for introducing me to such a wonderful man ~ he inspired me. Please know that our love and prayers are with you. God bless, Al Boykin & Famiy, Alexandria VA

Dwight Wleyimb

March 17, 2013

A kind and gentle man who will be missed. You were a true friend to my father. You will not be forgotten.

Gail Cannon

March 16, 2013

May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.

March 16, 2013

Our prayers go out to you. Veronica and the Hailstalk family.

March 16, 2013

May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.

JoAnn James

March 15, 2013

I was Music Pastor at the church Robert and Connie Monroe attended. I would observe them while at the keyboard and think what a "classy beautiful couple". So thrilled you are with our heavenly father. You are a hero in serving in the United States Air Force. You certainly found a beautiful wife in Connie. She is one of the sweetest ladies I've ever met. Also your gift of serving with the Gideons was certainly commendable. "Well done good and faithful servant, job well done".
Most sincerly
Jo Ann James

Carol Parsley-Stephenson

March 14, 2013

Mr. Monroe was my mentor and guiding light for more than 10 years that I worked with him in the veterans office. A gentleman I will always remember fondly.

March 14, 2013

As a friend of the Monroe children, Mr. Monroe always welcomed me into his home. My husband and I enjoyed numerous chats with him and the words of encouragement he gave us whenever we had a chance to visit Atwater. He is surely missed.
Theresa & Tommy Newsom Colorado

Carol Parsley-Stephenson

March 14, 2013

It saddens me to hear of Mr. Monroe's passing. He was one of my guiding lights in my career and life. I worked with Mr. Monroe for over 10 years at Merced County Veterans Service Office. I will be forever grateful for his guidance and expertise in veterans benefits. He will be remembered by me as a gentle giant. Thank you for your service. Connie, my heart and prayers go out to you and your family. I will be with you always in spirit. With much love and understanding. I love you so!!

Lee Pierce

March 14, 2013

Bob and I worked together in the same office for almost 12 years. I found him to be an honorable man in every respect and one of the finest persons I have ever known. He was never too busy to stop whatever he was in the midst of to give an opinion or to share his vast knowledge. An untold number of veterans are now enjoying their hard-earned and well deserved benefits as a result of the unhurried and timely assistance he provided.

Rest in Peace, my friend.

Lee Pierce

March 14, 2013

Mr. Monroe was a gentle giant. He was a great example for all of us. James Rowan DDS

Denny and Twink DeWitt

March 14, 2013

Bob Monroe was one of the finest Christian men we know. His gentle manner and true interest in others reflected the love of Jesus. No one knows how many lives he touched through his service with Gideons International.

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