Robert W. "Bob" Joe

Robert "Bob" W. Joe

November 3, 1932 - January 31, 2021

Robert "Bob" W. Joe was born in Ventura, California on November 3, 1932 to Jack W. and Marie (Lee) Joe and went to be with the Lord on January 31, 2021. He passed away at the age of 88 following a brief illness, surrounded by loving family in his own home.

Bob met the love of his life, Myra Lou Hamilton, in the summer of 1957 on a blind date set up by a mutual friend. On their first date they fell in love and Bob knew that he wanted to spend his life married to this incredible woman. They married on November 8, 1957 and settled in Ventura and began their 56 years of marriage. They celebrated their 50thanniversary with friends and family in Ventura in 2007.

Bob graduated from Ventura High School in 1950. He attended Ventura Junior College (now Ventura Community College) and received an Associate of Arts degree in 1952. He transferred to the New Mexico College of Agricultural and Mechanic Arts (now New Mexico State University) and was a member of the Tau Kappa Epsilon Fraternity and the Sigma Tau Honor Society. He graduated with his Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering in 1954.

He was hired by the State of California Department of Public Works, Division of Highways/Caltrans and began his career as a junior civil engineer on July 6, 1954. Bob joined the United States Army in 1955 and served two years to 1957. Bob entered the army as a Private 1 Construction Surveyor and when he transferred to the Army Reserve in 1957, he served as a Private 2 Construction Surveyor until he was honorably discharged in 1963.

After Bob's time in the Army, he returned to Caltrans in 1957 and served in the construction branch of District 7. Bob would go on to spend his entire career working for Caltrans. He was promoted to Assistant Highway Engineer in 1957 and Associate Highway (now Transportation) Engineer in 1969. This accomplishment included major responsibilities for the timely completion of the freeway construction contracts pertaining to Interstate 5 and 210 and State Route 14, all of which suffered extreme damage in the wake of the San Fernando Valley earthquake. As Resident Engineer, he worked closely with city officials on major projects such as widening Route 118 in Simi Valley and the continued widening of Route 101 through Thousand Oaks and Camarillo. He administered construction on over 30 projects in his career. Upon his retirement, Bob was inducted into the Quarter Century Club of District 7 and he was recognized for his 43 years of faithful service to the Division of Highways/Caltrans.

Bob and Myra were deeply devoted to each other and shared their lives with many family, friends, and neighbors. They enjoyed bowling and golf and participated in several local clubs and tournaments. Bob enjoyed card and board games of strategy and skill and many fond memories were formed over these fun social gatherings. Bob also loved old cars as evidenced by the 1967 Ford Fairlane that he purchased new and kept in top condition throughout the years. Bob and Myra attended Bible Fellowship Church in Ventura. Bob and Myra were always interested in the lives of their nieces and nephews and they took great care to be involved in their lives and join in family events.

Bob was preceded in death by his beloved wife Myra in 2014, parents Jack W. and Marie Joe, brother Jack Joe, brothers-in-law Paul, Wes and Don Hamilton, and nephew Stephen Hamilton.

Bob is survived by sisters-in law: Angela Joe of Ventura, Ruth Fraser Hamilton of Aqua Dulce, and Frana Hamilton of Modesto. He was dearly loved and survived by his nieces and nephews: Mark and Jeannine Joe of Santa Paula, Lisa Joe of Ventura, Mark and Sara (Joe) Millikan of Winston, OR, Agustin and Nina (Joe) Rosales of Arroyo Grande, Judy Hamilton of Billings, MT, Mark and Ann Hamilton of La Habra, Drew and Vicki Hamilton of Santa Clarita, Carol (Hamilton) Matthews of Toronto, Canada, Jim and Amy (Hamilton) Maris of Modesto, David and Lynne Hamilton of Grand Rapids, MI, Jay and Ali (Hamilton) Martinez of Modesto and Daniel Hamilton of HI; 24 grand-nieces and nephews; 5 great-grand nieces and nephews and cousins Bruce Lee of The Woodlands, TX, Jeffrey Lee of Irving, TX and Hugh Lee of Sacramento.

He will always be remembered as a loving husband who was devoted to his wife, Myra, as a dedicated and devoted brother and as a caring uncle to his many nephews and nieces.

Graveside services were held at Ivy Lawn Memorial Park in Ventura, California.