Robert Watson Roakes passed away Friday, December 11, 2020, in Albuquerque, NM, at the age of 84.
Bob was the most honest and dependable man most people will ever meet. He was loyal and unwavering in his commitment to the people he loved, and he approached life with steadfast patience. He was humble and kind, never asking for much, and he was never late a day in his life.
If he sounds like the leading man in an old classic Western, well that would be about right. There wasn’t an old western movie Bob hadn’t seen, and if it was a John Wayne movie then he knew every word.
Like all the best leading men, Bob was courageous and patriotic. He served 10 years in the Air Force, in the 401st Tactical Fighter Wing/401st Supply Squadron. He went on to serve his country another 10 years as a State Patrolman with the New Mexico State Police.
He was an excellent marksman, winning countless trophies and awards. He even built some of his own guns and ammunition. He loved old western style guns the most, especially black powder rifles. He thoroughly enjoyed trading and selling guns and would have fit right in back in the days of bartering.
In his younger days he enjoyed hunting and fishing and was an accomplished bowler. He was part of a bowling league while in the Air Force and helped lead the 6-man Langley Keglers bowling team to win the Tactical Air Command Bowling Championship in 1965, at the Cannon Air Force Base in New Mexico.
A faithful New York Yankees and Dallas Cowboys fan for over fifty years, though he may not have always been happy with his teams, he stuck with them through good and bad. About the only time you’d see Bob riled up would be when he was watching his teams lose.
Bob worked hard his entire life, from a young age well into his seventies. No matter what the job, he was never too proud. He worked every job imaginable, from the Air Force to broom corn farming, State Police, coal mining, framing, furniture building, dairyman, and building maintenance. He had the kind of work ethic the world is sorely lacking these days. He arrived early, worked hard, and never complained.
If Bob had one area to be nitpicked, it might be his driving. Now, don’t take that the wrong way, he was a very confident and skilled driver, but maybe sometimes a little too skilled for his passengers. A quick trip to the grocery store sometimes seemed more like a thrill ride at an amusement park, but you always arrived safe and sound.
He may not have achieved fame or fortune, but Bob was the kind of man that all men should aspire to be. He was loved, and he will be missed.
Bob was born in Lynchburg, Virginia on July 20, 1936. He was preceded in death by his parents, Asa Mitchell Roakes, and Louise Grace Moore. Bob is survived by his wife, Vivian Elaine Roakes, whom he married in 1979, his daughter Cynthia Louise Roakes, stepdaughter Cherie Elizabeth Chicarelli, as well as his brothers Donald Roakes (Dolores) and Wayne Roakes, nieces Susan Roakes and Sally Wilson, and great nephews.
Graveside service with Military Honors, will be held on May 8, 2021 at Fairmont Cemetery at 11:00 a.m. with Rick Trice Officiating.
Arrangements for Robert Watson Roakes are under the direction of the Alderette-Pomeroy Funeral Home.
To send a flower arrangement or to plant trees in memory of Robert Watson Roakes, please click here to visit our Sympathy Store.
