Robert Shobe, Sr.

Robert Lee Shobe, affectionately called “Bob” by family and friends, was born, August 23, 1963 in Tacoma, Washington to the union of Vernon Lee Shobe and Lotte Pohlmann. He was an only child. Around the age of 3, Robert moved to Denver, Colorado. Where he met some of his closest friends who later became family.

Robert attended Cure’d’Ars Catholic School, where he was baptized and later became an altar boy and a biblical scholar. He graduated from Thomas Jefferson High School in 1981. There he played in the band and was on the football team. He was most proud of his musical abilities. He played in the Citywide Jazz Band and Colorado Symphony for several years, as a Bass player. He was also, the lead Bass player for El Chapultepec Jazz Club. Any instrument you put in front of him, Robert could and was going to play. He went on to attend Metro State College of Denver, Colorado, where he received his bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Science and History. He graduated in 1986. Then, he went on to serve as a Lieutenant in the United States Navy where he obtained his Pilot’s License. He was also, a part of the Colorado Air Civil Patrol and Buckley Solo Flights.

While attending Metro, he met the love his life. He changed his daily routine just to take the bus with her and after every class he would make sure to meet Phyllis in the hallways. They became close friends, then started dating. Shortly after they were wed. They were married for over 30 years. From their union came, Robert Shobe Jr., and Lauren Shobe. Additionally, he had two other sons, from a previous relationship: Justin Askew and Korey Askew. His family was his world and he did everything for them.

He was and is a great father. He always tried to attend his children’s special events which included: sports games, dance recitals, choir, band, and jazz performances. He had a special bond with his little girl. He taught all his children about strength. He was always teaching his children how to work on cars, and many other things around the house, so they would know to take care of themselves. In his own words, he “didn’t raise no Sissy’s” and if you could do anything he could, then you were about “half tough”. He loved all his children dearly and had so many different loving and caring relationships with all of them. He was so proud of each of them individually and loved to be called their father. He was a father figure to many including a niece Sydney Baldwin, who he also helped raise. He was such a great loving, caring, fun, goofy, strong, thoughtful father.

Robert was a talented individual. He started many businesses of his own. He liked to work on computers. He even developed several computer programs of his own. Robert was an avid chef, he loved to cook. Barbequing was his specialty. He enjoyed family time, which included: watching movies together, and telling many of “Bob’s true-life stories”. He loved a good debate. He possessed an impeccable wealth of knowledge and was always ready for challenging arguments about anything and everything!

Robert departed this life on July 3, 2020, with his wife Phyllis and “baby girl” Lauren, right by his side. He was 56 years young. He was proceeded in death by his mother and father; Vernon Lee Shobe, and Lotte Pholmann. Also, two brothers-in-law: Donald Cox and Ralph Thurman.

Left to carry on his legacy are his wife, Phyllis; his four, children; Justin (Naomi), Korey, Robert Lee Jr. and Lauren; his three granddaughters, Noa, Channing, and the expected, Riley; his sister in law, Beverly Thurman-Baldwin of Denver; brother in-laws: Lesley Thurman of Las Vegas, NV, Paul Thurman (Aretha) of Mechanicsville, VA, and Bruce Thurman of Denver, CO; as well as a host of nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends.

He will be deeply missed. But he will forever live on through the lives he touched.