Robert Bearden

1942 - 2021

Robert Bearden
May 31, 1942 - November 1, 2021
Waterford, California - Robert Gary Bearden, son of J.C. & Dorothy Bearden, was born in Modesto on May 31, 1942. He peacefully joined his parents in the presence of his three sons, Brent, Kent and Joseph, on November 1, 2021.
Rob excelled in FFA at Thomas Downey High School, winning multiple awards exhibiting at the State FFA Show at the San Francisco Cow Palace.
He went on to achieve a B.S. degree in Horticulture as a "Bulldog" at Fresno State University. Following graduation, he farmed his own land as well as operated as a Custom Farmer for others.
Rob's passions were not limited to the land. He had the unique ability to not only conceptualize, but to design and build physical projects, including his own 5,500 square foot residence overlooking the Tuolumne River.
His biggest achievement was the creation of Big Bear Water Park & Campground in 1981.
Rob's interest was piqued by photography and classic cars.
His favorite places to photograph was the old abandoned California Western town of Bode, and Yosemite National Park. He won multiple awards in County Fairs and Central Valley shows. He was the founding member of the Stanislaus County Photocollective club.
His prized 1947 very rare Cadillac Club Car won Best in Show at the Concours de Elegance at Ironwood Winery. He was a member of the Antique Automotive Car Club of America.
At the age of 75 he joined the Cushman motor scooter Club of Northern California, participating in their annual Mt. Shasta road trip on a 1956 Cushman scooter.
Nobody loved a parade more than Rob. He participated in many parades and won numerous awards with his entries all over the valley. In his last Fourth of July parade appearance in Modesto, 2017, Rob won Best Overall with his replica of Half Dome and all the things that represent the valley we live in. This was a crowning achievement for him.
He is survived by his three sons and their wives, Brent & Yolanda, Kent & Belinda, and Joe and Amber. He was blessed with 8 grandchildren in order of appearance, Brittiany, Anthony, Marisa, Cullen, Chet, Wyatt, Kinsley, and Daxam.
There will be a viewing at Salas Brothers from 5-7 p.m. on Monday November 8th and a graveside service at Lakewood Memorial Park at 10:00 a.m. Tuesday November 9th.