Bob was born on March 24, 1947, second child and son of Charles Arthur and Dorothy Padilla , in Indianapolis, Indiana. 

He had 4 brothers, Ronald, Buddy, Mike and Steven and 3 sisters, Linda, Connie and DeLois.

He lived in and around Indianapolis until he joined the Marine Corps in 1965. He always said he left Indiana because of the snow and if lucky would never go back except for visits. For the next 20 years he moved around the US and overseas and managed a number of visits but always returned to California where he eventually retired.

He loved sports and was active in high school and also played golf for many years. He followed pro golf religiously as well as the Anaheim Angels. Although the new owner changed their city name he never took it to heart. He loved watching his daughters and grandchildren participate in sports.

He and Linda were married in 1967 in Westminster, California. After a number of years two daughters, Melissa Liane and Theresa Diane, were born while he was stationed on I&I duty in Midland, Texas. 

Grandchildren began arriving in 1994 through 2004, Corey, Jessica, Arthur, Madison, Gabriel and Drake, and a greatgrandson Dean in 2020 and greatgrandaughter Bobby as well. 

After 20 years in the Corps he retired to spend more time with family but eventually went to work for the Orange County Sheriff Department from which he also retired. He joked that was easy because he changed one set of brown and green uniform for another. The major difference was the latter never handed out medals of which he had many.

He loved his family and friends without reservation. 

He took pride in being a MARINE - once a Marine, always a Marine - and serving his country and was proud to be an American. 

God may have taken him from us earlier than we would have liked but he is always there watching over us.

We miss him so much.



Riverside National Cemetery

Presidential certificate in recognition of military service

Military Service Memorial Plaque for GySgt Robert Wayne Monroe courtesy of Together We Served.

Appointed 1965 08 16 at Camp Pendleton, California

Was able to go to Bill's grave yesterday.  Gabriel went with me as my carpool dummy. The trees are so big that overshadows so grass is minimal. Took him Poinsettias to celebrate the holidays. On the way home we went to Cypress to take a look at the house where I lived when we met and got married. Did not recognize,  area has changes dramatically, people and more people. Haven't been there in 50 years so not sure what I expected. Daddy's dichondra no longer front yard but house looked neat and clean which was nice. Although 55 in sun was a nice day. Hopefully I can go earlier next year so I can clean his headstone. 

Melissa took oldest 4 to see xmas decorations at mall. Too cold for Teddy.

Hi Bob!!
We think of you every day; not just on Veterans Day. All the wonderful fun memories we made together!! You and Bill had a great friendship we will always treasure. The trips, the games, the partying, the laughing! Linda and I talk all the time, Bob. You will always be remembered!! Love you!!

Thank you for your service to our country.

Love you

HAPPY 250th BIRTHDAY to my LCPL, my hero. I love you.

Was a beautiful morning. Today you would be telling everyone I was older than you, for at least six months. Then you would catch up.

Was thinking back to when we were first married. Sylvia and her boyfriend came to San Clemente to take us to dinner. They ordered wine and waitress carded you and me. She gave me a wine glass but told you sorry. You had been home 7 months from 13 months in the hell of Vietnam only to be told you were too young to have a drink. I was mad and said we should leave, you jokingly said why would you turn down a steak dinner. Besides, there was beer at home in the refrigerator.  

We missed a number of other birthdays with you in other parts of the world but you always made sure to let us know you were thinking of me and our daughters. 

And in later years when you were at a loss for birthday gifts you gave me roses. Sometimes bouquets, sometimes rose bushes. You would grumble when you planted or pruned but they stand true and strong. My bushes are now what I go to when they bloom to share with you. And Maggie has continued in making sure I get roses on my birthday. And I can continue to share with you. So a happy day for me, at 79, but sad because you aren't here to celebrate with me. Maybe I'll order a steak.

Rest in peace my love.

Good morning. Started out gloomy but turning into a nice day. Finally relief on heat, down to low 80s. Came a day early as 9/11ceremony here tomorrow. Listening to gun salutes and taps in background. I don't hear those during summer when I come early hours. Maybe I'll have more roses for you as it cools down and heat doesn't destroy them before they bloom. I miss you but know you are okay and out of pain. Love.

August 12th, our 58th anniversary.

Was sitting here thinking what we would be doing to celebrate. Definitely a steak dinner, or a visit to a casino so you could try your luck and I could share your winnings. I miss you.

Happy Father's Day. Still in New Mexico, 105 but doing okay. Your greats are so beautiful and full of love. Keep watching over them. Love you 

 



I am in New Mexico welcoming our new great grandson Theodore Edward Graham, born June 9th. He and Mom came home today.

Sitting here in the sunshine enjoying the swarm of hummingbirds dive bombing the hibiscus tree. They apparently didn't like the colder weather. One of them just flew up in front of me flapping hello. There are more flowers in the atrium because of Memorial Day and they are flitting back and forth. In the distance I hear a bugler playing the Army song. Whoever is playing is talented. And now 21 gun salute and taps. Makes me cry.  Another family saying goodbye to their hero in this beautiful solemn grounds. 

I miss you.

Since 2002, our city of Beaumont has engraved names of veterans who lived in Beaumont at the time of passing. I was able to have your name included this year. You were only Marine in the 13 names. Theresa family attended ceremony with me and we had breakfast at your favorite, Grammas kitchen. Madison said you would have liked because was quick, short and on time. Was a very nice event. 

Hi Bob!
We think of you every day. We’re especially thinking of you this Memorial Day weekend. So grateful for your service during the Vietnam war and the poor treatment you received upon your return home. 

We so enjoyed your barbecues with all the food, drinks and just hanging out together. Playing cards Linda and me against you and Bill!! Such great memories are what keeps us going. Lots of hugs to you and Bill Hope you two are enjoying each other’s company 🥰

Your boy, Dean Robert, graduated from pre kindergarten yesterday. I don't know who was more proud, him or his Gaga. 

Good morning. Rain has stopped and sunny days ahead. Your roses are finally blooming and baby peach tree has blossoms. I don't think spring lasted long so am gearing up for the summer. Everyone is well and am knocking on wood. I miss you

March 29th. The National day for every person who served in the Unuted States military and served in the Vietnam War. Thanks to President Trump it was officially designated. When you joined the Marine Corps you did not do so to go to war. You joined to be part of something that was a commitment to yourself. You wanted to be one of those who saw military service as an honor. Even after two tours in VN you still believed that and that didn't change on retirement. Even in Heaven you are a Marine. I listen to the current Sec of Defense and think of how he sees rhe role of Marines and other branches as protectors of our country, our people and our way of life. You are probably cheering him. On this day 4 years ago you were placed in a place of honor at the National Veterans cemetery in Riverside. To say it was a difficult day is an understatement. But even with covid family and friends came to honor you in return. I look around your atrium and read the plaques of those other heroes and hope their families can have some peace and acceptance as well. It will never be easy to accept you are gone but I am glad you are no longer in pain. For that and having had you in my life I will ever be gratedul.

Happy Heavenly Birthday dear Bob! 
Have been thinking about you a lot since you share birthday month with Bill.  Hope the two of you are enjoying each other's company.  You are in our thoughts just about everyday; we laugh about our escapades to Las Vegas and Laughlin and our fun dinner celebrations.  You are in our hearts forever!  William and Jeanette send their love too!  

Happy Birthday. Today is number 78. I'm finally same ahe until my birthday in September. So there. No liver and onions today. Maybe some cake maybe not. I miss you. Love

Good morning. A day early because of rain prediction. Gloomy day. Clouds blocking sun. Quiet except for Air Force planes that I can hear but not see. Not many people visiting today so have bench to myself. Porch pirates got your flags but I remembered to bring.

Our new great is due in June. Found out will be a boy to be named Theodore nickname Teddy. Corey thrilled. I will go hopefully in time to see him arrive. Taking overnight train. Might be an adventure. We will see.

Wishing you were here to go with me but know you'll be watching from your cloud in Heaven. Not same but will take.

Love you my lcpl

Happy Valentine's Day. I hope your roses stand up to our much needed 3 days of rain. Won't have to worry about lack of water. I love you and miss you even more on days lime this. 

Hi Bob, we truly miss you. We didn’t get enough time but in the end we got to see what a great neighbor, friend you became. We are here for Linda and will continue to support her in any way possible. Sending you a big hug in heaven from both Milo and I. 

Hi Bob,
Just wanted to tell you how much you are missed! We’re sure you and Bill are keeping in touch somehow., Linda and I talk about A&B being in business somewhere 😃 it doesn’t seem like 4 years since we last saw you.,You are forever in our hearts!
Maggie, Jeanette and William 

Today is an anniversary but one I could skip. You went to Heaven 4 years ago. It still feels like yesterday. I'm not sure where the time went but I'm slowly getting there. I miss my handyman, my personal chef, my best friend and forever husband. I love you.


Merry Christmas to my Angel in Heaven. I miss and love you.

ROBERT WAYNE MONROE

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