Robert (Bob) Fender

Robert (Bob) Fender, age 72, went to be home with the Lord, with family at his bedside on November 11, 2015.

He was born on September 12, 1943 in Woodland, Calif. to Melvin and Pebble Nabors Fender. His family were migrant workers and he picked cotton before the age of 4. A special cotton sack was made for him. Bob was in the Sea Scouts. He hung out with a friend whose father owned a junk yard and Bob built his own bike as a young boy.

In high school, he designed and built a cedar inlaid chest that won an award. The chest is still unique and beautiful today. He graduated in 1961 from Petaluma High School, where he played football.

After high school graduation, Bob joined the Navy. He served as a machinist mate on the USS Henry W. Tucker during the Vietnam War. He prided himself in keeping the ship's engine performing exceptionally well.

On Monday, June 5, 1998, as he started his 28th year of driving for Mobil Oil, he accomplished a goal of driving more than one million consecutive miles without an accident. Bob's truck was showcased at a Mobil oil convention in Las Vegas. Bob also proudly served on the company's safety committee.

Bob worked for Mobil Oil, now Exxon Mobil, for 32 years and retired in 2000.

In his 30's and 40's, he would ride his bike 20-40 miles every weekend in the Palos Verdes and Torrance Beach area. He enjoyed golf, dirt bike riding, hiking in the desert, horseshoes, and hunting deer and quail. He volunteered at the Torrance Hospice thrift store for 14 years. He was a member of the VFW of Fallbrook and on the Board of the Fallbrook Historical Society. He was also a tree steward for the nonprofit group Save Our Forest and enjoyed the Newcomers Club, especially traveling with the RV group.

Bob was a loving husband and father. He is survived by his wife of 39 years, Shirley; children Curtis Bowman and Samantha Fender, daughter-in-law Kelly Bowman; two grandchildren, Katie Anne and Charlie Wilbur Bowman; brothers Otis Fender, James

Fender and William Fender, and many friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, Roger Fender and Jack Fender.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Christ the King Lutheran Church or Fallbrook Historical Society. Private services for the family will be held at a later date.