Robert Alden Welbourn III

1937 - 2018

August 15, 1937 - February 28, 2018 Robert "Bob" Alden Welbourn III, of Palos Verdes Estates, California, passed peacefully on February 28, 2018 in Newport Beach, California, at 80 years of age. Bob was born August 15, 1937 in Topeka, Kansas, and moved with his family to Culver City, California in 1944. Bob is survived by his wife of 51 years, Doris, his sons Robert, Edward and John Welbourn, daughters Daphne Elderidge and Heidi Glassco, brothers James and Thomas Welbourn and sister Joan Heck. Bob had many loving grandchildren, nieces, nephews and extended family that will greatly miss him. He was a loving father, husband, grandfather and friend to that knew him. Bob attended Alexander Hamilton High School in Los Angeles and graduated early at the age of 15. After his 18th birthday, Bob enlisted in the Army National Guard. He later graduated from California State University, Los Angeles, then onto University of Southern California for law school. During law school, he worked as a Los Angeles County juvenile probation officer. Bob was an attorney for 52 years and loved every minute. Upon graduation from USC, Bob began his legal career as a Los Angeles County Deputy District Attorney. After several years, Bob retired and became a lobbyist for the Automobile Club of California in Sacramento. He later opened his own law firm, which he ran for over 40 years. He practiced primarily in the Los Angeles Superior Courts and handled both civil and criminal matters. He was known for being the consummate gentleman lawyer to all that knew him. He was active in Los Angeles County Bar Association, a member of the Indigent Criminal Defense Panel and served as a member of the Los Angeles County Judicial Procedures Commission. Bob was also active in the community and politics. He served as a city councilman and mayor for the city of Palos Verdes Estates, his home since 1966. While he made two unsuccessful bids for Congress, it never stopped his love of government and trying to make a positive difference. Bob was a founding member and President of the Palos Verdes Sunset Rotary Club, a member of the Palos Verdes Youth Commission and a member of the Palos Verdes Breakfast Club. Bob's hobbies included scuba diving, skiing, watching his sons play football and grandkids play sports. Friends and family can pay their respects at the memorial service on Thursday, April 12 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Neighborhood Church- PVE, 415 Paseo Del Mar, Palos Verdes Estates, California 90274.