Robert J. “Bob” Makein, 90, or “Dad” to us kids, passed away Tuesday, Oct. 11, 2022, in Centralia, Washington. Bob was born Aug. 23, 1932, in Queens, New York, to James W. and Dora (Westler) Makein.
He was a pipefitter by trade before enlisting with the U.S. Air Force July 19, 1956. He relocated to the West Coast soon after, settling in Bremerton, Washington, and resuming his pipefitting career at Bremerton Naval Shipyard.
He married his sweetheart, Connie Valentine, Aug. 19, 1978, and the couple remained happily married until her passing on Jan. 8, 2020.
He was a great father. He had seven children from a previous marriage — six girls and one boy. Dad loved his family, fishing and hunting. He was our John Wayne!
He is lovingly remembered by his son, Robert J. Makein, and his wife, Arlys; daughters, Robin Sutton and husband, Mike, Roxanne Freund, and husband, Darryl, Liz Mayes, Becky Harrison, Jane Moore and Jessica Lamb.
Visitation will take place from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 27, at Newell-Hoerling’s Mortuary. Mass will begin at 11 a.m. Friday, Oct. 28, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Chehalis. Interment will be at Claquato Cemetery in Chehalis.
