Robert Lee Thibedeau
August 17, 1931 – September 12, 2023

Robert Lee Thibedeau, known as Bob, Dad, Grampy, Papa, and Grandpa Bob to his friends and family, passed away at his home in Brownsville surrounded by loved ones on Tuesday, September 12, 2023. He was 92 years old. Bob was born August 17, 1931 to Walter and Pearl Thibedeau in Los Angeles, California. He had three brothers Walter Jr., Olan, and David and two sisters, Ruth and Mary Jane.

Bob entered into active service in the United States Navy on April 4, 1951. As a Navy Seaman, he served on “The World’s Greatest Naval Ship,” Battleship USS Iowa, and sailed to the Korean Peninsula during the Korean Conflict. He was honorably discharged from the United States Navy on March 24, 1955.

On December 5, 1953, Bob married Sally Gomez in Alhambra, California. They had two children together, Robert “Bobby” Thibedeau Jr. and Cindy Thibedeau.

Bob was a hardworking man who was skilled in many trades. He worked as a landscaper and planted palm trees at Dodger Stadium, LAX, and throughout Palm Springs. Later, he worked for IML Trucking as a diesel and road mechanic.

Bob liked the idea of country life. He moved from Southern California to Brownsville with his wife Sally in 1984 to live out his retirement years. The two lived together until Sally’s passing in 1999.

He established Triple T Custom Baling and baled hay across Linn and Benton counties for many years with the help of a crew that included family members Steve “Bumper” Gomez, Cindy Thibedeau, Bobby Thibedeau, Jesse Richardson, and Timmy Richardson.

On December 12, 2009 Bob married Tammie Wendinger in Lebanon, Oregon. Bob was a gracious family man who welcomed Tammie’s children and family as his own.

Bob had many hobbies and interests. He was a great swimmer and sportsman who enjoyed fishing with his children and hunting with his friends, son, and son-in-law. He was known for his award-winning holiday light displays and he decorated every Christmas. Bob enjoyed playing billiards at the local pool halls with friends and he enjoyed socializing and dancing with his wife Tammie on Saturday nights at the Lebanon American Legion.

In 2018, Bob planted 6,022 Jefferson hazelnut trees on his 33-acre farm. The first harvest is scheduled for Autumn 2023.

Bob is survived and remembered by his wife Tammie Thibedeau, his son Bobby Thibedeau, his daughter Cindy Thibedeau, 14 grandchildren, one great grandchild, extended family, friends, and agriculture colleagues.
​
Viewing will be 11 am Saturday, September 23rd at Sweet Home Funeral Chapel. Funeral service will follow at 12 pm. Burial with military honors will be at Gilliland Cemetery. Semi-formal attire preferred. All memorial gifts and flowers may be sent to Sweet Home Funeral Chapel. Sweet Home Funeral Chapel is handling arrangements. www.sweethomefuneral.com.