WALLER, ROBERT
Robert “Bob” Waller, of Lodi, CA, passed away February 26, 2008 at Dameron Hospital in Stockton at the age of 88 years.
He was born on May 15, 1919 in Centralia, Illinois to Leona Mae (White) and John Waller. He graduated from Centralia High School, and worked for the railroad until World War II when he joined the United States Marine Corps.
He served his country honorably until his discharge after being wounded at Guadalcanal.
He was always proud of his services to his country.
Bob moved to California, working for the State of California in Camarillo, and then to Stockton, where, in 1955 he met and married Odehlia L. Steele. Bob and Odehlia made their home in Lodi, where they raised their family. He worked hard to support his family, but always had time for his children. He received his associate’s degree from Delta College.
In 1966 they moved to Galt, where his second son, Marshall, died in an accident, then they moved to Napa, CA, where Bob supervised the Kitchen, Bakery, and Butcher Shop at Napa State Hospital from 1967 until his retirement in 1982.
Having left many friends in Lodi, Bob and Odehlia returned, and both were active in the work of our Lord Jesus Christ. Bob was a kind, generous man, loved by many, a good and caring son, a loving husband, father and grandfather. He loved the outdoors, hunting, fishing and he liked to travel.
Bob was predeceased by his son, Marshall Allen Waller, and his sister, Muriel Brinker.
He is survived by his devoted wife of 53 years, Odehlia L. Waller; his children, James E. (Diane) Waller of Galt, Rhoda C. (Ruben) Faria of Napa; his grandchildren: Angela R. (John) Duncan, Laura C. Waller of Lodi, Megan C. Faria and Daniel S. Faria of Napa;his four great-grandchildren: Jordan, Easton, Jackie, and Jessica of Lodi; his brother, James B. Waller of Poulsbo, WA; and many nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be held on Sunday, March 2nd, 1:00 – 6:00 p.m. at Cherokee Memorial Funeral Home, 831 Industrial Way, near Beckman Road, Lodi.
Funeral service will be held on Monday, March 3rd, 1:00 p.m., in Evergreen Chapel at Cherokee Memorial Park, Hwy 99 & Harney Lane, Lodi. Pastor Charles Patton of Harvest Worship Center officiating.
Committal will follow in the Primrose Garden with the U.S. Marine Corps Honor Guard presenting Military Honors.
Cherokee Memorial Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.
Historian’s note: We are unable to confirm that Field Cook Waller was WIA on Guadalcanal.