Robert Withrow
September 4, 1942 - August 3, 2023
Fresno, California - Robert Parker Withrow, M.D.09/04/1942
Passed peacefully on August 3rd, 2023.
Robert was born in Richmond, Virginia, where he lived until he finished medical school at the Medical College of Virginia in 1968. He finished his internship at the University of Kansas Medical Center in 1969 and served two years in the Navy, serving in Vietnam. He began a residency at the University of California, San Diego in Psychiatry for three years, with a degree in surgery and psychiatry. He then completed a residency for his Master's in International Health, Tropical Medicine, and Public Health at Tulane University in New Orleans, Louisiana, and spent six months working with patients in Nicaragua.
Robert also worked on the Hopi Indian Reservation near Phoenix, Arizona. He moved to Fresno, California, where he was Director of Mental Health and Public Health of Fresno County. He was an adjunct professor at Stanford University and U.C. San Francisco. He had three private offices and was Assistant Director of Psychiatry at Fresno Community Hospital, Director of Psychiatry at Kaweah Psychiatric Hospital in Visalia, Director of Sierra Gateway Hospital in Clovis, California, and Medical Director of Coalinga State Hospital in Coalinga, California, where he retired, September 1st, 2021.
Robert was on the Board of the Hospice of Fresno, created through St. Agnes Hospital, formed in 1977.
Robert is survived by his wife of 55 years Margaret Patterson Withrow, oldest son Robert Parker Withrow, Jr., and his wife Lisa, step-granddaughters Laura and Allyssa Kennedy, step-great granddaughter Scarlet Kennedy, Daughter Laura Withrow-Langley and her husband, Todd Langley, youngest son Franklin "Chad" Withrow, granddaughters Ava, Chloe, and Ellie Withrow, grandson Jacob Furrer, his wife Breanna, and great-grandchildren Micah, Damian, Madelyn, and Jonah.
Robert and Margaret enjoyed traveling, and-all trips totaled-have been around the world.
Arrangements by Neptune Society. Donations to Alzheimer's Association and engineeredtomakeadifference.info
Services will be held August 23rd, 11am, at Northwest Church (5415 N. West Ave., Fresno, CA, 93711).

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

Published by Fresno Bee on Aug. 13, 2023.

Memories and Condolences
for Robert Withrow

21 Entries

Chad Withrow

August 28, 2024

Miss you Dad

Lia Pendergrass

February 20, 2024

So sorry to see this. I want to say that he was the best Director, supervisor, and friend that I had at Kaweah Delta hospital. He was a joy to be around and a joy to work with, plus he taught me so much prior to taking my licensure exam. Rest in peace Dr. W.
Positive thoughts to the entire family
Lia Pendergrass

Markham Kirsten

January 27, 2024

I just learned that Dr. Withrow is gone. He brought me to Fresno in 1979 when he was director of the Department of Mental Health and I was fresh out of residency. He was very professional and as a psychiatrist quite clinically astute. Up until a few years ago we bumped into each other at the annual Psychiatric meetings. I am sad he is gone, but I remember his mature countenance.
Markham Kirsten, MD

Jeanne Polenz

August 23, 2023

He was such a great presence at Coalinga State Hospital. Respected and appreciated. Bless you for your dedication to the profession Dr. Withrow!

Christina Souza

August 22, 2023

I was Dr. Withrow's Executive Secretary the last few years before he retired. I will always cherish the insight he shared for both career and life in general. He was a special man who really loved to share his wisdom with other generations and encouraged everyone to succeed in all they attempted. He will be greatly missed.

Christina Souza

Wally and Liz Stuermer

Sent Flowers

Troy Wartman

August 14, 2023

It was a pleasure to work with you over the years. God bless you and your family. I hope to see you again one day God Willing.

Pat Vinson Sowers

August 13, 2023

So sad to hear about Robert's passing. Fond memories of Carol Woodfin Caldwell and my visit the last time we saw him at his sister's funeral. Blessings to his family and friends.

Pat Vinson Sowers, Manchester High School Classmate, 1960

Marti and Larry Wayte

August 12, 2023

We have known the Withrow family for almost 50 years! We have enjoyed Bob's company at lunches, dinners, weddings, and on a cruise trip. Bob was a quiet, gentle, private person, with a great sense of humor. He loved and provided for his family well. He was a good friend and he will be greatly missed.
May Bob rest in peace in his heavenly home, and provide peace and comfort to Margaret and her family.
Deepest sympathy, friends Larry and Marti Wayte.

Gloria A Fenley

August 12, 2023

I worked for Dr Withrow as his Executive Secretary with CDCR. We both were Virgo´s. We clashed at first but as time went on - we drew close and understood each much better. I sincerely respected this man and cared very much about him . We kept in touch after I retired. From time to time; we would run into each other in Fresno. Your home now boss - rest eternally with our Father. Love, Glo

Jennifer Berg

August 12, 2023

Dr. Withrow was my boss at CSH during my time there, he will truly be missed. I will always remember our discussions and his words of wisdom, Virgo club lunches, and his sense of humor about the insanity we sometimes dealt with working in that setting. He contributed so much during his time here. See you on the other side Dr Withrow.

Audrey King

August 11, 2023

Rest in peace Dr. Withrow. I will forever remember the many years in which I had an opportunity to work with Dr. Withrow. We had fun and shared many laughs while working. He was THAT doctor!! Very wise and genuinely concerned about the patients.

Elesia Evans

August 11, 2023

Dr. Withrow was my boss at CSH and he was very kind to me he always had my back and looked out for me. I am very sad to hear this. I wish I could have been able to tell him how much I appreciated him and how he was such a great person to me. My prayers are with his family he had a big heart.

Deborah Ireland

August 11, 2023

Dr. Withrow you will truly be missed. I will always remember our discussions and your words of wisdom, Virgo club lunches, and your sense of humor. Rest with the angels deepest condolences to your family. Deb Ireland

Theresa Kelm

August 11, 2023

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

Jason Rummel

August 10, 2023

Dr. Withrow was one of kind. He was an amazing friend, colleague, boss, and person. The impact of his loss in all of the lives he´s touched and affected is immeasurable. He will be missed and remembered by many who have had the honor of meeting him. My hope is that you can remember all of the ways he has impacted you and shared his love, wisdom and life with. My heart goes out to his wife, children, grand children and great grandchildren as they mourn the loss of this great man.

Bill & Dory Gray

August 10, 2023

Margaret, Twenty years ago I began working with your sister, Libby, on the 1/Lt. Robert A. Ford Memorial web site, and through her you and I became close friends. I have enjoyed our long friendship and knew Bob through you. But I had no idea that Bob was such an accomplished man.

It seems that both you and Libby married very special men. And it was God's blessing that you have had so many years with Bob.

Dory and I send our deepest condolences to you and all your family. May God continue to bless and keep you strong and that your memories of Bob will continue to be vivid and loving. God bless, Bill & Dory Gray

Andra Moran

August 10, 2023

I´ll always remember his speech at his daughter Laura´s wedding. There was so much love. I didn´t know him well, but that speech spoke volumes about what kind of father and man he was.

Robin Davis

August 10, 2023

So sorry for your loss!!!!!

Jennifer Snell

August 10, 2023

I worked with and for Dr.Withrow for a long time. He was always very generous and kind. I think about him often. May his memory be a blessing to your family and telling stories about him in your life bring you comfort. I hope your hearts find peace and comfort in each other.

Chandra Craven

August 10, 2023

My deepest condolences to Margaret and the family! Bob was a wonderful, amazing and loving friend! I loved watching him and Margaret shop at the store together(only sometimes)! It was a pure joy to be his favorite cashier and cake decorator! Many memories! May Bob rest in eternal paradise! Much love and respect forever!

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