Robert " Bobby " Rockwell

Robert “Bobby” C. Rockwell, age 62, of Ridgecrest, California, passed away unexpectedly on August 3, 2026.

Bobby was born on December 12, 1963, in Ridgecrest to Robert “Bob” E. Rockwell, Jr. and Diane (de Berge) Rockwell. Bobby attended Mesquite High School and went on to graduate at the top of his class at welding school. Recognized as a natural with building and mechanics, he learned well from his dad and could fix or build just about anything. Bobby spent his career in construction and repair work utilizing the many skills he possessed in this area…roofing, construction, mechanics, welding, and general building. He was a hard worker and put forward his best skills to do a job right, even as his health started to impede those efforts.

Throughout his life, Bobby was a giant kid at heart. He loved all things planes, trains, and automobiles. From a young age, Bobby built scaled models of many, many planes, ships, racecars and trains. But of those, trains were his favorite. Bobby and his dad built a large layout of HO Scale trains, and it was a hobby they shared for as long as they lived. He loved to be outdoors, especially in the mountains, fishing, riding motorcycles, and enjoying the sound of a mountain stream. Also, Bobby was intensely interested in history of any kind. You could ask him about the Space Race, the history of the Indy 500 or who settled the Eastern Sierra, and he would have you riveted in his knowledge.

Bobby was raised to never let a person be on the street, to try to be there for people. During his life, Bobby was known for being there for others during tough times, whenever and however he could. Bobby possessed a keen sense of humor that he constantly shared; he could have you laughing in no time flat, a trait that he inherited from his parents. He valued family connections and his friendships, curating life-long relationships. Bobby was especially passionate about his daughter, Amber, and grandson, Makhi, and the nurture and support that their little family provided, even over long distances, difficulties, and spans of time.

Bobby is survived by his daughter, Amber Rockwell of Grants Pass, Oregon, grandson, Makhi Vallee of Ridgecrest, California, and his sister, Sharon (Jeff) Dalton of Dubuque, Iowa, two nieces and a nephew, Alie, Kelsey, and John, and 5 great nieces and nephews. Bobby was preceded in death by his parents, Bob Rockwell of Grants Pass, Oregon, and Diane Driscoll of Pensacola, Florida.

No services will be held at this time. A family memorial will occur at a later date.

The family is eternally grateful to those that supported Bobby in his times of need…there are too many of you to mention. Bobby, you will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew you well. We know you are running a “choo choo” with pop in Heaven and, hopefully, enjoying all the lemon bars you can eat. Love you forever….your family.