Robert Alan Essig Sr.

Robert Alan Essig, Sr. (Bob) graduated from La Grange High School, La Grange, Illinois in 1950. Following graduation, he served with the United States Air Force from 1950 to 1954 in England and Castle Air Force Base in Atwater, California and was honorably discharged in 1954. While stationed at Castle Air Force Base. He married the love of his life, Virginia Ann Sanchez (DeeDee) in 1953. They were married for sixty-four years.

He then became a Police Officer for Forest Park Police Department, Forest Park, Illinois from 1954 to 1957. During this time, Bob attended Chicago’s Commercial Art School.

Bob and DeeDee moved back to California with their young children, where he worked as a Police Officer for Merced Police Department from 1957-1961.

In 1961, Bob started his dream job with the California Highway Patrol and was assigned to the Gilroy area. He transferred to the Merced area and had special duty assignments including Vehicle Identification Officer, Public Affairs Officer and Court Officer. He graduated from Merced Junior College with an Associates Degree in Administration of Justice in 1978.

Bob then promoted to Sergeant in 1981 and was assigned to the Glendale area. He later accepted an assignment to the Central Division Headquarters in Fresno for 14 months as a Central Divisions Training Sergeant. In 1983, Bob transferred back to the Merced area and performed Field Sergeant duties until his retirement.

After retirement, Bob enjoyed and felt privileged to be an Investigator for Allen, Polgar, Proietti and Fagalde Law Firm from 1989 to 2004. He was a member of the California Association of Licensed Investigators.

Bob was very proud of his accomplishments throughout his career and life. He assisted in coordinating the first Law Enforcement Program and taught Law Enforcement classes at Merced College. He also coordinated and taught the first traffic Violators School for the Judges Association. In 1980, he received two Officer of the Year Awards from the American Legion in Merced and the California and Fraternal Order of Eagles in Turlock. Bob was an Area Representative for the California Association of Highway Patrolmen and was appointed to the City of Merced Personnel Board in 1993. He was a member of the Merced Elks Lodge #1240 for over 40 years.

Above all else, family was always Bob’s priority. He loved his wife, children, grandchildren and great grandchildren with all his heart. He lived to protect and provide for them. He had many hobbies throughout the years; including drawing, fishing and playing the banjo. His family will always remember him being athletic, watching football and drinking beer on Sundays.

Bob is preceded in death by his parents Elmer Sr. and Alma Essig, his brothers Elmer Jr. and Alton Essig, his wife Virginia Essig (DeeDee) and his two sons Joseph Gregory Essig and Robert Alan Essig Jr. He is survived by his daughter and her husband, Rebecca Lee and John Anderson of Madera, California, his son and his wife, Guy Dennis and Grace Essig of Merced, California, his six grandchildren and eight great grandchildren.

The family would like to thank Clovis Community Hospital for taking such exceptional care of their loved one.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.stratfordevansfunerals.com for the Essig family.