Robert Elwin (Bob) Coultas passed away peacefully at home on February 23, 2016. He was 99 years old. Bob was born on the family ranch in Oxnard, California on September 12, 1916 to Thomas A. Coultas and Blanche Hughes Coultas. He was the younger brother to Walter T. Coultas and Dorothy Coultas (Green). His family traveled to California from Illinois and settled on the Oxnard Plain in 1887. Bob attended Springville Grammar School and graduated from Oxnard High School in 1934. He then graduated from Ventura Junior College and enrolled in Santa Barbara Business College. He returned to Oxnard in 1936 when he was offered a position with Southern California Edison Company (SCE). About this time he was introduced to Bernadine McGrath [Daughter of Robert H. McGrath and Margaret Laubacher.] They became engaged shortly after Bob enlisted in the Army in 1941. Bob was stationed at Fort McArthur and he and Bernadine were married in 1943. Bob was sent overseas with the 7th Infantry Regiment of the Third Division as an infantry officer under General John “Iron Mike” O’Daniel – where he fought in Sicily, France, and Germany. He was awarded the Purple Heart, Bronze Star and the Combat Infantryman Badge.
After the war he remained active in the California National Guard as the Commanding Officer of the Ventura Unit. When the Korean War broke out his unit was re-activated and was once again sent overseas. He returned home to Bernadine and their four children and resumed his job with SCE.
Bob was active in the Northside Little League, Ocean View 4-H, and the Boosters Club at Santa Clara High School. He and Bernadine were Charter members of Las Posas Country Club and Bob became an avid golfer for many years. He was also an ardent Fisherman and Waterfowler. He was very involved in the business community serving on several Boards and Committees including VCEDA, Oxnard Chamber of Commerce, American Red Cross, and Catholic Social Services.
Bob’s beloved wife Bernadine passed away in 1974. Shortly after he retired from SCE where his career sparred over 40 years as the area manager. During retirement he kept fully engaged with volunteer work with Catholic Welfare, VC Grand Jury, and the Juvenile Justice Commission among others.
Bob was a 77 year member of the Oxnard Elks Club and was honored as a Camarillo “Don” by the Pleasant Valley Historic Society. He had a broad knowledge of Ventura County’s History as he spent his entire life there. He loved his family, his country, and cherished all the friends he made during his long life. He will be deeply missed by his grateful family including his Sons Thomas Coultas (Karen) Roseville, CA - William Coultas (Jan) Ventura, CA - Daughter Barbara Prater (Keith) Chino, CA and Son Robert Coultas (Sandy) Santa Paula, CA - Nine Grandchildren Tony Prater, Chris Prater, Lisa Shoemaker, Kristin Corsentino, Ryan Coultas, Heather Clark, Kyle Coultas, Alison Harnden, and Daniel Coultas - Thirteen Great Grandchildren - One Great-Great Grandson and many nieces and nephews. He was pre-deceased by his parents T.A. Coultas, Blanche Coultas, Brother Walter T. Coultas, Sister Dorathy Green, his beloved wife Bernadine McGrath Coultas, and Grandson Timothy R. Coultas.
The family wishes to acknowledge his caregivers, Sheila Soriano, Dennis Banawa, and Isabel Domingo for their compassionate and affectionate care as well as his Hospice nurse Shauna Davis. We are also very appreciative to Dr. Richard Rothschild and Dr. Bruce Woodling for all they did for our Dad.
Family and friends are invited to a Memorial Mass to be celebrated for Bob on Tuesday, March 1, 2016 at 9:00am at Our lady of the Assumption Church in Ventura. In lieu of flowers, please remember Bob with an act of kindness or a Donation to the Charity of your choice in his name.
Family and friends are invited to attend a Most Holy Rosary to be recited on Tuesday March 1, 2016 at 9am in Our Lady of the Assumption Roman Catholic Church, 3175 Telegraph Road Ventura, a Funeral Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated immediately following the Rosary at 9:30am. In lieu of flowers, please remember Bob with an act of kindness or a Donation to the Charity of your choice in his name. Arrangements are under the direction of the JOSEPH P. REARDON FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICE, 757 E. Main Street Ventura.