Robert Lee Breidenbaugh

Robert Lee “Bob” Breidenbaugh, an exceptionally patient man, passed away on October 9, 2019 at the age of 85. He was born to Carl William and Voris Lee (Meadors) Breidenbaugh in Pike County near Otwell, IN on July 28, 1934. He graduated from Otwell High School in 1952. After high school, he served in the army before returning to Indiana and completing a B.S. in civil engineering at Purdue University.

He married Janet Ray Willis in May 1960 and they moved to California in 1962 where he served 35 years as a bridge engineer with the California Department of Transportation, supervising the construction of several prominent bridges in southern California. His wife, Janet, preceded him in death in 1991. His children, Mark and Hyla, remember him as the consummate pillar of consistency, who provided a steadfast, secure, and godly home.

He married Anna Lee “Tommie” (Binkley) Mehrtens in 1995 and enjoyed an enviable retirement lifestyle in Escondido, CA where they were active in church life, family, and a wide circle of cherished friends.

Mr. Breidenbaugh was the eldest of eight siblings. Surviving him are brothers Ronald Ray (Martha) Breidenbaugh, William Earl (Mary Alice) Breidenbaugh, Carl David (Connie) Breidenbaugh, Daniel Joe (Carola) Breidenbaugh, and sisters Shirley Kay Powell, Mary Kathryn (John) Gray, and Rachel Jean (Davis) Bowman.

Also surviving are his wife, Anna Lee, known as Tommie; son, Mark Scott (Caralisa) Breidenbaugh; daughter, Hyla Janine Breidenbaugh; and grandson, Toft Sage Breidenbaugh; along with many beloved nieces and nephews. He is also survived by stepsons, Gary (Annette) Mehrtens and Kevin Mehrtens; and extended step family, Dawn (Mark) Jensen and Randy (Cindy) Farrar. In laws from first marriage, Anita Powell, Floyd (Angie) Willis, Inez (Mark) Lancaster; 15 step grandchildren: Missy, Garrett, Becky, Abby, Lydia, Hannah, Caroline, Amy, Kate, Marshall, Kelly, Breanne, Alex, Lindsay and Natalie; 28 Great-grandchildren, Teagan, Gavin, Brantley, Rowen, Mason, Gionna, Jackson, Theus, Ellie, Odin, Avery, Saylor, Clover Lee, Ava, Micah, Isaiah, Josiah, Elijah, Judah, Joseph, Juliana, Troy, Aubrey, Max and Ronin.

Preceding him in death were sister in law Sandra Davis, brother in law David Joe Powell, Larry Powell and stepson Mel Mehrtens.

Visitation is 4 pm to 8 pm Friday, October 18 with funeral at 10 am Saturday, October 19 with William Breidenbaugh officiating. All at Harris Funeral Home 705 Walnut St, Petersburg, IN 47567. Graveside service will follow at Martin Cemetery near Glezen.

Memorial Service is Sunday, October 27th, 2019 at 2:00pm.
The Cove, 11838 Bernardo Plaza Ct., #101, San Diego, CA 92128.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks you to consider a donation to the American Cancer Society or similar.