The family of US Army Veteran Harry Robert “Bob” McSpadden has invited the Patriot Guard Riders to be present to honor their hero, a member of the greatest
generation, for his service to his country. It will be our privilege to do so.
Mr. McSpadden served his country in the United States Army, from March 1943 through February 1946. Bob enlisted in the U.S. Army in March of 1943. He was a combat veteran who served during WWII. Bob was assigned to the 290th Infantry Regiment and the 27th Infantry Division. As such, he took part in some pivotal and historic battles across the Central European theatre of operations. Including the Rhineland, as well as the infamous “Battle of the Bulge” in the thickly forested “Ardennes” region between Belgium and Luxembourg. The resulting Allied victory in the “Battle of the Bulge’ ended Germany’s ability to advance its western front and began the Allied push to ultimate victory over Germany.
His unit paid a terrible price to achieve their success in this battle. Bob was one of only a handful who survived the carnage. He rarely, if ever, spoke of his experience there. And even then, only to a family member or two. Bob earned the “American Campaign Medal”, “European African Middle Eastern Campaign Medal, “World War II Victory Medal” and “Good Conduct Medal” for his service to his country. Upon his honorable discharge, Bob had attained the rank of Tech 5-Corporal.
Harry Robert “Bob” McSpadden was born in Chelsea, Oklahoma on July 3rd, 1924. He was a citizen of the Cherokee Nation. He was the son of Thomas Booth and Iona Baines McSpadden. Thomas and Iona moved their family to the San Diego area in 1936 having settled in the La Mesa/Spring Valley region of the San Diego east county.
After his service to his country, Bob returned home to La Mesa and began a career in the lumber industry, working for the “La Mesa Lumber Company”, where he was known among friends as “Mac”. Bob, along with his brother Lyle “Buck” McSpadden built several homes in the east county of San Diego.
Bob met his life partner and wife of 63 years, Beverly Durham, in downtown La Mesa. They were soon wed on August 1st, 1953 at the La Mesa Vista Christian Church. Bob and Beverly had two children together, Michael and Robert.
Mike passed in 2009. Bob’s beloved Beverly passed and joined her son in heaven in 2014.
And now, with Bob’s passing on March 9th, 2022, at the age of 97, he is reunited with them both once again.
Bob is survived by his son Bobby, 5 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren.
Bob was a quiet and humble man who enjoyed raising his boys, attending family gatherings, camping trips, and traveling up and down the west coast. But, most of all, Bob enjoyed being devoted to, and sharing his life with is one true love, Beverly.
He will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.
The family has requested an accompaniment from the family home in the San Diego College Area to Miramar National Cemetery, a distance of approximately 15 miles. It will be our honor to do so.
Note: This notice is to facilitate your voluntary participation in honoring this Military Veteran. For those interested, and all PGR members are welcome. Please see the time table if you would like to participate.
NOTE: PLEASE OBSERVE ALL COVID-19 REQUIREMENTS, HAVE MASK/FACE COVERING AVAILABLE IF NEEDED.Time Table for Tuesday 28 JUN 2022:1145 – Stage at Lake Murray Tennis Club, 7003 Murray Park Dr., San Diego, Ca 92119 (
https://goo.gl/maps/bwgK4UPEiN5vNjtY7)
1200 – PGR Briefing
1220 – Dignified Flag Line, as hero is carried to family car for procession to cemetery
1230 - KSU for Miramar National Cemetery, 5795 Nobel Dr., San Diego, CA 92122. (
https://goo.gl/maps/7Asr3BDoFnqewyhp7) (approx. 15 miles)
Note: Those meeting the procession at the Cemetery, stage at the corner of Ave. of Flags & the road that goes to Shelter
(
https://goo.gl/maps/PRm7hrLVxeKyon7f8)
1300 est. – Arrival at Miramar National Cemetery
1315 – Flagline as hero is transferred to Final Honors horse drawn carriage
1330 – Dignified Flag Line, Military Honors, and Funeral Service.
Jeff "TriGeezer" Werner
So Cal Patriot Guard Ride Captain
Carlsbad, Ca
Cell: 503-989-5315 Pgrtrigeezer@Yahoo.com
You do not have to be a Veteran or a motorcycle rider to attend this mission. Everyone is welcome. We encourage those who do not ride to attend in your cage (car). If this will be your first mission go to the initial staging area and you will be briefed there by the R/C (Ride Captain). Dress for motorcycle riding or dress casually if you are driving a cage. Remember to bring an American flag, or military branch flag of the hero to honor this hero. Please feel free to attend any portion of this mission you can. Please ride/drive safely.
Please remember that our mission is to stand tall and silent, and with honor and respect for our Heroes. No talking, smoking, or cell phone use during the flag line or service. Please keep radios off and engine noise to a minimum. Observe the 15 MPH speed limit. Remember, cemeteries are hallowed ground. Show respect to all who are there, not just the ones we are honoring.
