Robert Lyle Hambleton

Robert Lyle Hambleton, of Salem, died on Thursday, Feb. 4, he was 56. Robert was born on August 10, 1953 in Portland Oregon, the son of Lyle Gilbert Hambleton and LaVerna Ione (Swindell) Mason. Bob attended Salem schools prior to entering the service. He joined the U.S. Navy in 1971 and served aboard the USS Theodore E. Chandler, he received an honorable discharge in 1973. During his time in the Navy he received the National Defense Service Medal. Bobby apprenticed at Chike’s Custom Auto Upholstery. He subsequently was the owner / operator of Bob’s South Salem Auto Upholstery. He worked in the upholstery business until his health forced his retirement in 2003. Bob was a member of the cub scouts and also the Salem Elks #336 for thirty five years. He won several awards with the Elks including Elk of the Month, Feb. 1986 and Elk of the Month June, 1996. He often transported friends to various medical appointments and was always a friend to a friend in need. Bob loved watching Star Trek movies and helping family members with all manner of projects. He was a very talented “Jack of all Trades.” Bob married Susie Harden on Sept. 18, 1987 in Salem, Ore. and the two later divorced. He will always be remembered for his great sense of humor and good nature. He never met a stranger and was a friend to all. He very much loved his family. Bobby was very passionate about his perfection in auto upholstery and his inspiration by Lewis Chike. As a young man Bobby enjoyed dirt bike racing. He also enjoyed a good golf game until failing health prevented his play; he also bowled on several leagues and loved to water ski. He had a child like enjoyment operating his step father’s remote controlled boat on Lake Havasu. Bob also enjoyed a good game of pool. He had a Big Heart of Gold. He is survived by; His mother, LaVerna Mason and her companion Don Nilson, of Salem, sisters; Jacqueline (Dennis) Guenther, of Henderson, Nev., and Linda Mitchell, of Salem, brother, Jerry (Marie) Hambleton, of Keizer, nieces; Theresa (Doug) Fitzgerald, of Rainier, Ore, and Roxanne (Hugh) Olinger, of Portland, Ore., nephew, Tony Guenther, of Portland, Ore., great niece Lylia (Mike) Strange, of Salem, great nephew, Kyle, and great niece Nicole, both of Portland, great great niece and great great nephew Danielle and Jack of Salem, cousins, Sharon (Richard) Thorbeck, of Des Moines, Wash., and Ron (Millie) Wolfe, of Redmond, Ore., as well as his ex-wife, Susie Hambleton, step sons; Tye, Patrick, and John and nine step grandchildren. Bobby was preceded in death by his father Lyle G. Hambleton and his step father Robert Mason.A viewing will be held Wed., Feb. 10 from noon to six pm at Howell, Edwards, Doerksen with Rigdon – Ransom Funeral Directors. A Memorial Service will be held Fri., Feb. 12 at 2:00 pm also at the Howell, Edwards, Doerksen. Interment will take place Mon., Feb. 15 at 9:30 am at Willamette National Cemetery with Military honors. Memorials in Bobby’s name may be made to the Salem Elks #336 Scholarship Fund.