Robert Otis Loutherback

Robert (Bob) Loutherback was born to Luke and Flora Loutherback in Fullerton, Ca on August 14, 1943. At the age of 4, the family, including his older brother Glenn (Butch), moved to Selma, Ca for work and to be near family. Bob lived there through his graduation from Selma High School in 1961. His summers were spent with his cousins and working at his parents' local diner before joining the United States Armed Forces.
Bob was a patriot who served in the Air Force from November 1962 through November 1968. He spent his service years stationed in South Korea and Germany. He was part of the Air Police and dog training K-9 units. He was filled with gratitude for his country and always reserved a special place in his heart for dogs.
Bob was a man of great integrity who was steadfastly devoted to his family and those close to him. He was the living embodiment of hard work and perseverance. His optimism was infectious and his compassion comforted his "tribe" in the most vulnerable moments. Bob had an
open mindset which led to an open heart. He was genuinely a kind man.
One of Bob's gifts was excelling at hands-on projects. This was not just the start of a hobby but the laying of a foundation for a life of achievement and service. He was well known for offering his time and expertise to those around him. He found great joy in refurbishing the Victory Bell at San Joaquin Memorial. He built fences and poured cement. His garage was packed with tools for wood, cars, lawns and gardens. You name it and he had it. He was always willing to lend a hand to family, neighbors and friends with their DIY projects. He consistently went the extra mile for his previous employer Pittsburg Plate Glass where he worked for 32 years, many of those years in management overseeing most of the departments within the plant.
The job that consumed Bob in an extremely positive manner was Facilities Manager at Holy Spirit Church which began in 2002 for "just five years." He considered it a privilege to work for Msgr. Logan, Fr. Eric & Fr. Pat. He fell in love with the staff, the work and the parishioners and he never looked back! Five years quickly became 22 years. The only way he could retire was for God to call him home. This opportunity to be at Holy Spirit brought him extreme satisfaction and joy. It revealed his creative side in a ways not displayed before. He thoroughly enjoyed time and pranks with the staff.
Bob had his hand in everything from landscaping to décor, paint color, maintenance, quality control and design and who would be doing the work. He knew every nook and cranny of the buildings and had physically been in every corner and tunnel in which he could fit. He went
above and beyond and believed his work was for Our Lord. The phrase "it's good enough" was not what he ever wanted to hear. He strived for his "best." Delivering quality was how he demonstrated love and affection.
Bob's Catholic faith inspired him to center every aspect of his life around God. When complimented on a completed project, he often remarked that "he was only a vessel through which the Holy Spirit worked."
Bob's family will remember him most for being an incredible husband, father and grandfather, his playful sense of humor, jumping into the pool with grandchildren on his back, creative gardening, lots of hose squirting, camping, helping children and grandchildren with their projects
and just "being there." He checked in with them and they him, all regularly by phone or text and often had them in the garage helping him so they could learn.
Bob married the love of his life, Evie, in 1984, and together they combined their two families consisting of four boys (ages 8-14) and built a life filled with love and adventure. They instilled into their children the importance of dedication, hard work, excellence and service to others.
Bob was beyond blessed to have a special group of "guy friends." They supported each other, learned from each other, checked in with each other and shared lunch, work permitting. In the recent months he would be easily overcome with emotion when he spoke of just how solid these men were and how humbled he was to call them his friends.
Bob was preceded in death by his parents and brother. In addition to his wife Evie, Bob is survived by his sons, James (Melanie) and Bradley (Leah) Loutherback and Joseph (Jenny) and Benjamin (Carrie) Tosi and his grandchildren Jason, Elena, Kyle, Louis, Lina and Nikola. Bob passed on July 20, 2024 into the loving arms of God surrounded by family. He will live on in the lives of those that knew him best. Bob will be missed but never forgotten.
Remembrances may be made in Bob's name to Holy Spirit Catholic Church Building Fund, 355 E Champlain Dr.,Fresno, CA 93730
Or Catholic Charities, 149 N Fulton St., Fresno, Ca 93701