Valley Springs, CA…Robert (Bob) Henry Luther was Born August 2, 1936 in Providence RI. He passed away on December 1, 2015 Valley Springs. Bob was diagnosed with Stage IV Lung cancer on November 19 of this year. He served proudly in the Airforce from 1954 to 1974 and retired with the grade of Tech Sergeant. After which he pursued his lifelong passion of driving 18 wheelers. Owning his own business from 1976 to his retirement in 2003.

He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Rita Luther, his brother Ed Luther
(86) of Port Charlotte Florida, his sister Marge Aldridge (81) of Ocean
Springs Mississippi, his 2 sons, Rick Luther (54) Discovery Bay, and Steve
Luther (50), Shenzhen China, his 5 Grandchildren, and 1 Great Grandchild.

He is predeceased by his Son Robert Henry Luther Jr, and his Parents Gladys
Kerkhoff and Edward Luther.

Services were held December 5th, 2015 at the San
Andreas Memorial Chapel located at 254 W. St. Charles Street, San Andreas,
CA 95249

Robert grew up in the country and would always share stories of how he loved to milk cows, play ice hockey, and loved working on trucks and cars. It was early in his teens that he had driven his first large delivery truck and turn out to be his passion later on in life.

At the age of 18, he enlisted with his soon to be brother-in-law into the Air Force. His first overseas assignment was to England where he met his future wife Rita. They met at Rita’s cousins wedding who then left the wedding which turned out to be their first date. However this date did not leave a good impression of Bob with Rita’s father (Tony) due to how late they returned.

Bob returned the next day, after driving 100 miles, only to be greeted at the front door by Tony Upon which Tony could smell the odor of beer on Bob and he said “you been drinking beer, you are not taking my daughter out!” However fortunately Rita’s mom (Edie) intervened and convinced Tony to allow Bob to come back the next day.
After 6 months, they became engaged and were married 6 months later in England. And remained in Love for the next 57 Years.

While 6 months pregnant with Robert Jr, Bob and Rita moved to Providence where Bob grew up. A short time later he was stationed in Florida where they had their first of 3 boys.
After a year and half in Florida Bob was transferred to Massachusetts where they had their 2nd child Richard James Luther.

After 3 years in Massachusetts, Bob was re-stationed back in Florida where they had son number 3 Steve Edward Luther.
A short time after having 3 boys, Bob was the first to volunteer for an assignment in Alaska (just kidding). He had to leave the kids at home with Rita during this tour. While in Alaska he became professional bartender and would send extra money home to Rita and the boys.

In 1966, he received the ‘dream assignment’ of being stationed in California where he would end up living out the rest of his life. His assignment was working with Lockheed Missiles and Space at Moffett Field where the military would work on projects together. By 1967 they were able to purchase their first home on Remington Way, in San Jose. Unknown at the time, this would be the center of where a lot of lasting friendships would be forged. Many of which are here today.

In 1971, Bob had to take an assignment in Guam where the B52 squadrons were actively supporting the Vietnam War. Being the likable guy he is, he persuaded the base Commander to allow him to run Parks and Recreation for the base.
We returned to our home in San Jose in 1973 where we began many years camping, motorcycling, and boating with the families in our neighborhood. Bob couldn’t wait to pack up the kids and head out to Clear Creek and New Idra with the Martinez’s and other neighbors.

In 1974, Bob retired from the Airforce and started working for a local service station as a tow truck driver and mechanic. Although these were tough financial times for the family, Bob still manage to make sure the family enjoyed the camping and outdoor sports.

In 1976, Bob began driving big rigs for a company realizing a lifelong dream. Not too long after that he purchased his own ‘big rig’ and started what would be his final career as R. Luther & Sons Trucking.

The life of a truck driver sometimes meant that he could be away from home for days at a time. However, Bob would still make time to pack up the kids and take them camping, boating, or riding motorcycles. Even after a long week of driving, he would pack up the car and drive for hours to reach our recreation destination. These are some of the fondest memories that have been forged into our minds.

As us kids grew older, and began to have kids of our own, they moved to Discovery Bay and lived near the water where Bob pursued one of his other passions. Boating.

Bob would always love to host major events like birthdays and holidays. Always the entertainer, by playing chef, bartender, and conversationalist. Telling family and visitors of his endless stories of experiences on the road.
In 2003, Bob finally retired after being in business for 27 years. In 2005, Bob and Rita moved to Valley Springs where he lived out the rest of his life making new friends and actively engaging in the community.

Throughout Bob’s lifetime he was best known as being one of the friendliest person you could ever meet. Always willing to help someone out, especially if it was to repair something. He love to tinker around and solve problems.
He will truly be missed by his family and friends.