He was a loving and dedicated husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He loved life and most of all, his family. He was always there for you to listen or to just offer a helping hand. A very generous man who often put others before himself. You could say Bob never met a stranger. His selflessness and humble nature captured many hearts. To know him was to love him.
Bob met his wife Sherry at the Merced American Legion after being bused with sailors from San Diego, Ca. he spotted her from across the room and asked her to dance. He threw his sailor hat on the floor, and they danced around it. That is where it all began. They were known for being a couple that you could not take your eyes off while on the dance floor.
Bob was born and raised in Merced, California. He attended the local schools, such as Galen Clark, Merced High School, and Merced College. Bob was the first one of his family to join the Military at the age of twenty-one. He enlisted into the United States navy at the beginning of the Vietnam War in 1961. Bob completed basic training in San Diego, California and received his first duty assignment to the Navy Fleet Pacific Force aboard the USS Bon Humme Richard (CVA 31). During his service time, Bob served as an air controller, obtained the rank of E-5, and traveled three-fourths of the world by ship. He visited many ports around the globe, participated in many Equator ceremonies and ultimately received his Shellback title. In fact, the longtime Navy tradition goes back as far as the Vikings and the first recorded United States Navy Vessel to cross the equator was the USS Essex on February 7, 1800.
Mr. Juarez served honorably (1961-1966) a Vietnam Veteran, Military Citation (Combat Action Ribbon). He was a VFW member with Post #4327 in Merced and an American Legion member since 1990. He also served as American Legion Post #83, Executive Committee member from 2011-2012.
Bob took over ownership of his beloved father’s business, Leo’s Garage in Merced. He enjoyed golfing, fishing, and playing Keno at the casinos. He was well known for organizing the Reno bound party bus for the past forty plus years.
Robert leaves behind his loving wife Sherry, beloved children Denise Juarez-Burtson (Dave), Deborah Winter (Don), Cheryl Groves (Jeff), nine grandchildren, five great grandchildren, sister Rita Martinez, and a niece and nephew. He is preceded in death by his parents Leo and Catalina Juarez, and lovely daughter Nanette Marie Juarez.
We want to extend a special thanks to the VA, Dr. Sidhu, Hinds Hospice, and the loving family and friends who were by our side every step of the way.
In lieu of flowers, the family ask that donations be made to the American Cancer Society.
To honor Robert’s (Bob) memory, we are holding a celebration of his life on June 28, 2024 10:00 a.m. at Stratford Evans Merced Funeral Home, interment to follow at Calvary Cemetery in Merced. Honors provided by the United States Navy Honor Guard and American Legion Post #83.
We also invite all that knew him to attend and remember his wonderful life at Stratford Evans Reception Hall starting at 12:30 p.m.
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