Bob L. Guthrie, Sr., 82, died Friday, Aug. 20.

He was born in Henryetta, Oklahoma to Hattie Mae and Foss Guthrie, the youngest of five children. His father died when he was four years old. His mother married Dewitt ‘Dee’ Davis in 1934. In the late 1930s, the family moved to Oakdale where he grew up.

At age 17, he met the love of his life, Olivia Frances Gragg, at a baseball game and they were married in 1945. They celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary in May of this year.

Mr. Guthrie served in the U.S. Army Air Corps in 1946 and 1947.

He began a lifelong career in plumbing at age 17, following in his father’s footsteps. For many years, he served as the chairman of the Modesto area joint apprenticeship program in conjunction with Modesto Junior College. After retiring in 1990, he and his wife traveled extensively in their motor home.

He was a loving, compassionate, and devoted family man who will be missed. He set high standards for his children and was always there for guidance and support.

He is survived by his loving wife, Frances; children, Bob Jr. (Kathy), Gary (Karen), and Sharon (Larry) Mitts; eight grandchildren; and 15 great-grandchildren.

Visitation will be held from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 25 at Salas Brothers Chapel, 419 Scenic Drive, Modesto. A memorial service will be at 10 a.m. on Thursday, Aug. 26 also at the chapel. Internment will be at Lakewood Memorial Park.