Robert Earl Bales Sr.

Robert Earl "Bob" Bales, age 86, passed away on August 28, 2024, in Murrieta, California. He was a graduate of Salinas High School in 1955. After graduating high school, Bob dedicated 34 years of his life to the California Department of Corrections, where he earned the respect and admiration of his colleagues. He climbed the ranks and ended his career as a Chief Deputy Warden.

Bob was a towering figure, not only in stature but also in the community. He was a well-respected leader, dedicated civil servant, and member of his local Kiwanis club. He spent a few years as the President of the Chino Kiwanis club where he took pride in establishing and organizing the well known "Corn Feed Car Show", serving pancakes and grilling hamburgers for the local community. Bob’s true passion in life was fast cars and hot rods. He worked at a service station that his father owned in Salinas, California where he learned to love the life of building and driving “Hot Rods”. His passion for fast cars soon grew to drag racing. It wasn’t uncommon to find Bob and his late wife Peggy at the Fremont Dragstrip. His engineering expertise in building a race car from start to finish was admired by those in the racing world. His race cars stood out and set numerous national records. The racetrack is where Bob enjoyed the thrill of life and the camaraderie of the sport.

He will be laid to rest next to his wife and high school sweetheart, Peggy Bales. Bob and Peggy have 3 sons. The late Robert Earl Bales Jr, (Bobby), Rod Bales and Randy Bales. Bob is survived by the families of his three sons to include his grandkids and great grandkids. He is also survived by his sister Shirley. Bob's life was marked by his enduring commitment to his family and passions, leaving a legacy in the hearts of those who knew him.