Robert Mark Roudebush

ROUDEBUSH-Robert Mark Roudebush, 85, of West Covina, passed away at his home, surrounded by his family, after a brief, but courageous battle with lymphoma on August 30, 2010. Bob was born in Independence, CA on December 1, 1924. He moved to Los Angeles at the age of 4, and attended Alexander Hamilton High School - Class of 1943. At the young age of 17, he enlisted in the United States Navy and served as a Petty Officer First Class on the U.S.S. Trenton CL- 11 during World War II. He re-enlisted in 1951, and served in the Korean War aboard the U.S.S. Tingey DD 539. He was honored with several medals for his service including: the American Campaign Medal, the Navy Good Conduct Medal, the Combat Action Ribbon, and the Korean Presidential Unit Citation. He received honorable discharges for both tours of duty to our country. On March 5, 1949, in Los Angeles, he married Dorothy Helen Fay, who survives. They happily celebrated 61 years of marriage this year at their favorite restaurant, "Edwards Steakhouse." He worked for the Los Angeles County Mechanical Department for over 32 years, first as a journey-man electrician and eventually advancing to a supervising electrician. He moved to his home in West Covina in 1957, raising his three children in the same home he remained in until his passing. He was a staunch supporter of the City and community of West Covina. After retiring from L.A. County in 1981, he accepted a position as a union representative for the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (I.B.E.W.) Local #11. He was a loyal member of the union for his entire career, and in his position, sought to fairly and proudly serve the membership to the best of his ability. He also served as an appointed member to boards within the community of West Covina, as he was a civic minded individual who supported local businesses and products which were produced in the United States. He was also an active participant in local government. Bob was very involved in the lives of his seven grandchildren, attending graduations, dance recitals and track meets. He rarely missed a monumental accomplishment in the lives of his children or grandchildren. He enjoyed camping, fishing, gardening and home projects. He was often sought out by his neighbors, friends and family to repair or rewire things in their homes. He was always willing to help out. In addition to his wife, he is survived by his three children, Dawn Foster (Husband Gary), Laguna Beach, Roberta Abner (Husband Phil), Simi Valley, John Roudebush (Wife Sally), Grants Pass, Oregon and one sister, Patty Chandler, Grants Pass, Oregon, as well as seven grandchildren: Sara Bender (Husband Sam) and Jesse Foster; Brianna and Levi Roudebush and Alena Moore (Husband Brad); Sean and Danielle Caples. He is also survived by four great grandchildren, Marlon and Zeke Bender and Aidan and Kaid Moore. He was preceded in death by three brothers, Alvin, Dale and Kenneth, and two sisters, Sue Bevers and Helen Pavon. A viewing will be held at Forest Lawn Covina Hills Chapel on Friday, September 3rd from 5:00- 9:00 P.M. Memorial services will be held at Forest Lawn Covina Hills Chapel on Saturday, September 4th, at 10:30 A.M. Burial will be held at Riverside National Cemetery on Monday, September 6th at 9:45 A.M. (sharp). Red, White and Blue floral arrangements are welcome. However, if you wish to make a life-giving donation, Bob wished for donations to be made to City of Hope for breast cancer research.