Robert A. Perez

Robert Arnold “Bob” Perez, age 80, passed away peacefully Saturday May 16, 2026, surrounded by his loving family. A lifelong Porterville resident, man of God, educator, mentor, and community leader, Bob touched countless lives through his passion for education and service.

Born in Porterville to Guadalupe Perez and Antonia Reyes Perez, Bob graduated from Porterville High School (Class of 1964) and Porterville College (Class of 1969). He earned a bachelor’s degree in history (with a minor in sociology) and a master’s degree in educational administration from California State University, Bakersfield. He later obtained his administrative services credential (1983) and standard secondary credential.

Bob married his sweetheart, Shirley Jean Rankins in 1967, and soon after began his remarkable 30-plus-year career in education. He started as a teacher at Burton Elementary School, where he was named Outstanding Teacher in 1969. He went on to serve the Porterville Unified School District in numerous roles: counselor and head counselor at Porterville High School, assistant principal at Porterville High, Citrus High, and Monache High Schools, and for many years as Director of Porterville Adult School. He also taught in Porterville College’s evening division for 11 years. He worked tirelessly in gang awareness and prevention, vocational education, counseling, and community relations. Bob’s contributions extended far beyond the classroom. He served on numerous boards and committees, including the Sierra View District Hospital Board, Porterville Chamber of Commerce, Porterville Rotary Club, Burton School Board, Mariachi Foundation, Cinco de Mayo Committee, Leadership Porterville, and many others. His community service and leadership were recognized with numerous honors, including:

• Porterville Chamber of Commerce Man of the Year (1990)
• Tulare County Administrator/Manager of the Year (2004)
• California Career Conference Innovator of the Year
• Leigh Robinson Vocational Education Award
• Adult Education Administrator of the Year (1997)
• Distinguished Alumni Award from Porterville College

Beyond his professional success, Bob was a man of faith. He was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He loved his Savior and fulfilled many callings with dedication and compassion.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his daughters, Tami Marie Duncan, and Heather Angelica Moreno.

He is survived by his wife, Shirley Jean Perez, children: Robyn (Mike) Hammond, Jason Perez, John Perez, Michael (Valerie) Perez, Michelle Christopher, Adriana Perez, 23 grandchildren, 11 great grandchildren and extended family members.

Funeral services will be provided by Kern River Family Mortuary, Thursday May 28, 2026, at 11:00 AM at the White Oak LDS Chapel, 9900 White Oak Dr, Bakersfield, CA, with a viewing from 10:00AM - 11:00AM prior to the services. Interment will be Friday May 29, 2026 at 10:00AM at the Woodville Cemetery, 17203 Ave 168, Woodville, CA.