Robert Joseph Kabel

Robert Joseph Kabel was born on July 14th, 1922, in Fostoria, Ohio, to Robert Philip Kabel and Kathryn Mary Smith. Robert (Bob) was the eldest of four brothers. Thomas, James, and John preceded him in death. Bob moved to California in 1933 and graduated in 1940 from Belmont High School in Los Angeles. Following his service in the Army, Bob graduated in 1950 with a Civil Engineering degree from the University of Southern California.

Bob served in the United States Army during WWII, initially in the 13th Armored Division, “The Black Cats” and selected to the Army Specialized Training Program, where he studied engineering at Muskingum College. Nine months later, he was called to Europe with the 102nd Infantry Division, 405th Infantry Regiment, for the duration of the war.

Following the war, Bob returned to California where he married Jacqueline Cote in 1948. Robert and Jacqueline were blessed with three children who were raised in West Covina, CA: Michael, Kathleen, and Timothy. The family often traveled to visit with both his and Jacqueline’s relatives in Riverside, CA. His wife Jacqueline passed away in 1977.

Bob started his career as a civil engineer with the Los Angeles County Road Department and was promoted to Division Engineer. Following his career at the Road Department, he continued to work as a California freeway planner for Caltrans before retiring in 1984.

In 1984, Bob married Rosemary Bonar in San Clemente, CA. Bob enjoyed tennis, travel, music, painting and volunteering. He especially loved to travel with the Elderhostel program and, at the age of 80, participated on a mission trip teaching English in the Ukraine. He was also an avid leader of the AARP-IRS senior tax program as well as supporting local charities.

Following Rosemary’s passing in 2004, Bob moved to Chehalis, WA. There he participated with the Seniors at Bethel Assembly of God Church and also took great interest in the Chehalis Veteran’s Memorial Museum which holds a book written by a local student reflecting on Bob’s wartime memories.

In 2022, he celebrated his 100th birthday with family and friends. A few days later, a flyover for Bob performed by the Cascade Warbirds was aired by Seattle’s KONG news which made him a local celebrity! The following year, the Seattle Seahawks escorted Bob onto the field for a Salute to Service alongside a military honor guard. A proud moment!

Bob passed away on January 26, 2025. He left a lasting impact on all who knew him and will be missed by many. We will miss his infectious joy, sense of humor, life advice, and booming laugh. The world was a better place with Bob in it.

Bob is survived by his three children; six grandchildren: Melanie, Robert, Jennette, Tiffany, Gregory, and Jacqueline; and seven great-grandchildren: Mazzy, Madison, Katelyn, Josiah, Evelyn, Daphne, and Griffin; and other family. In addition, he will be missed by Rosemary’s children: Linda, Bob, and Rick (passed), and her grandchildren: Lauren, Johnny, Marian, Kenny, and Evan – who affectionately called him Grandpa Bob.

The family would like to thank all of the caregivers at the Washington Veterans' Home in Port Orchard where he enjoyed their company in his last two years and give a special thanks to all of the pretty girls that made him smile.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Bethel Church in Chehalis or to Salvation Army.