Robert Ledbetter

Robert Ledbetter, 81, passed away of natural causes on March 29, 2015 in Centralia, Washington. He was born March 25, 1934 to Robert and Clara (Cheeves) Ledbetter in Rienzi, MS. In 1954, he graduated from Rienzi High School and married Shelba W. Rinehart. Robert was a quiet man who always thought before acting or speaking. He never wasted words. Professionally, he worked as a deck hand on river barges on the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers (1955-1956), at Ford Motor Company in Louisville, KY (1957-1959), and at Independent Box Makers of Louisville, KY (1959-1996). Over the years, Robert lived in Rienze, MS (1934-1956), Louisville, KY (1956-1970), Dale, IN (1970-2007), and Rochester, WA (2007-2015). Robert loved Big Mouth Bass fishing in the many lakes of Kentucky and Indiana. While living in Indiana, he won numerous awards and trophies while a member of Potaka Valley Bass Masters of Indiana. He went on fishing trips with his wife to Lake Ochachobee, FL, and even to central Mexico. He hardly ever missed a sunny day after work and on weekends fishing on the lake from his bass boat. Every break at work was spent playing cards with his mates. In addition, Robert liked dancing with his wife at the dance halls in the 60s, remodeling and finishing the homes he owned, and collecting thousands of Sci-Fi paperbacks over the years. Robert is survived by sons, Roger Ledbetter of Rochester, WA, Kelly Ledbetter of Carmel, IN, and Barry Ledbetter of Bluffton, SC; seven grandchildren; and a great grandchild. He was predeceased by his wife, Shelba, in 1975; and brother, Weldon Ledbetter. Memorial donations may be made to South Sound Seniors STARS Program, 222 Columbia St. NW, Olympia, WA 98501. Please leave memories of Robert or condolences for his family in the Guestbook below.