Robert (Bob) Earl Diefenbaugh – September 5, 1946-November 25, 2025

Bob passed away peacefully at the age of 79 at his home in Edgewood, New Mexico after a battle with Leukemia.

Bob was born September 5th, 1946 in Dover, Ohio to Earl and Waldine (Groves) Diefenbaugh. Bob grew up in Dover, Ohio and graduated from Dover High School. While in school, Bob played baseball and was a star pitcher. He was a Left-handed pitcher and right-handed batter. It is said that he had family members that played professional baseball many years before. Lefty Groves, was a Pitcher that played in the Major League and, Bill Becker, was a Pitcher that played in the Minor Leagues. Bob’s dream was to become a professional baseball player and, was on track to do just. However, his dream was never realized when he was drafted by Uncle Sam’s Army in September, 1966.

After basic training, Bob was Military Police stationed at Sandia Base, Albuquerque, NM. While serving at Sandia Base, his unit was deployed to Vietnam but he had been chosen to become a part of the Defense Atomic Support Agency so he was able to remained at Sandia Base until he was discharged. Bob left the Army after 2 years and transferred to the US Army reserves so that he could return to Ohio and finish his college education and obtain his degrees in Engineering at Kent State University.

Bob stayed in Ohio for several years after that, then moved to Houston, TX working for Hughes Aircraft Company, and then, returned to Albuquerque, NM in the mid-1980s. This is where he met his wife, Linda. Bob and Linda were married September 1, 1990 and have one son together, Robert Earl Diefenbaugh, Jr. In NM, Bob became OSHA certified and sold safety equipment to mines and power companies. He later worked as a facilities Manager at different companies, with the last place being at Life Roots (which is a company dedicated to providing opportunities for individuals with developmental disabilities). He enjoyed working with the clients there and they loved him. He retired in 2019 at the age of 73.

One thing Bob loved to do was construction. In 1992, Bob and Linda purchased a cabin in Brazos, NM which he worked hard to renovate. In addition to Bob renovating the cabin, Bob had built his home while in Ohio. Later, after his mother-in-law passed away, he built an addition on to their home so his father-in-law could move in with them. He was teased about being Bob the Builder.

The cabin It was a special place where Bob loved to spend time with and his family. He was usually able to make it two weekends a month or more as work allowed. While at the cabin, he was a volunteer firefighter and also served the community in other capacities when needed. He was happy to be useful, a part of the community and especially, being a firefighter.

While his son was growing up, Bob was actively involved as a leader with the Boy Scouts of America. He and Robert were able to enjoy several adventures together and make a lot of memories. Bob was so proud when Robert became an Eagle Scout. Bob was able to be with his son during his first elk hunt.Bob was a loving and loyal family man and friend. He was always there to help whenever and wherever he was needed He loved to go to the ocean, the cabin in the mountains, going fishing, having parties, dancing, and making margaritas, Bob just loved to have fun and, he was a big fan of “The” Ohio State Buckeyes. It was a must to watch them whenever they played.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents, Earl and Waldine Diefenbaugh. He is survived by his wife Linda, son Robert, daughter Marika and her husband Jeff, two grandsons, Tristin and Corey, all of Albuquerque, NM and his brother Ed Diefenbaugh and his wife Ginny, of Dover, Ohio. He also leaves behind several nieces and nephews.

A short service will be held at 12:30 a.m. on January 16th, 2026 at the Santa Fe National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, Bob wanted donations to go to Chama Valley Animal Humane or St. Judes Children’s Hospital.