Bobby Dean Ledbetter

On the morning of Monday, December 15, 2025, Bobby Dean Ledbetter peacefully passed away at the age of 89 at the VA Hospital in Louisville, KY, due to complications of renal failure.

Bob grew up in a rural and underprivileged area of Southern Illinois as the son of a fluorspar miner. In 1958, he joined the U.S. Marine Corps, honorably serving for four years. His military service brought him to Southern California, where he resided for 17 years. On July 8, 1961, he married his true love, Norma Jean McBride. He attended Golden West College and California State University, Long Beach from 1962 to 1968, earning a degree in Marketing. While studying at night, he worked multiple jobs during the day, often six to seven days a week.

Throughout his 51-year career, Bob was employed by General Telephone of California, Telesciences, Science Dynamics, Positron, and InterAct. He played a significant role in the formation and implementation of the initial 911 systems.

His hobbies included woodworking, golfing, water sports, and home improvement. He was a devoted fan of Atlanta Braves baseball and Dallas Cowboys football, passions he instilled in his daughter.

Bob was a devoted husband, father and grandfather. He approached everything he did with excellence and dedication, passing these principles on to his children and grandchildren.

He is survived by his daughter Valerie (Jeff), son Rob (Amy), sister Mary Gertrude, grandchildren Joseph, Joshua, Sophie, John, Matthew, Mariah, and great-grandchildren Penny, Kinsey, Maisie and Waylon. He was preceded in death by his wife, Norma, who was 80 at the time of her passing, on December 15, 2021. They are now reunited, and with our Savior, Jesus Christ.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that any donations be made to the Wounded Warrior Project, Tunnel to Towers Foundation, or Samaritan's Purse.

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