Robert "Bob" Harold Kirchmeier Jr.

Longtime Ridgecrest resident, Robert "Bob" H. Kirchmeier Jr. passed away peacefully on May 25, 2025, at the age of 80.  Bob was born June 17, 1944 to Robert Harold Sr. and Mary Nadine Kirchmeier in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.  He moved with his family to Ridgecrest when he was only two years old.

After graduating from Burroughs High School in 1963, Bob attended college in Ventura.  Then he joined the US Army and served in Korea from 1965-1967.  After his time in the military, Bob worked at the Linnie Saw Mill near Pearsonville, Ca.  He was fascinated by machinery and took pride in understanding how systems worked.  Bob eventually moved on to become a drafter at Genge, a government contractor, before starting in an apprentice program at the Naval Weapons Center for precision machinists.  Bob spent his NWC career machining precision parts for many warfighting programs, before retiring in 1996.

Bob was active in the Sand Blasters Motorcycle Club and the Sierra Gun Club, where he shot competitive matches for many years. After retirement, Bob spent his time supporting veterans and was a member of the VFW Ship 4084.  He also enjoyed finding unique tools and machinery at yard sales, spending countless hours researching their origins and uses.

Bob is survived by his sister Nancy Autrey and brother Lawrence Kirchmeier; nephews Paul (April) Nelson and Kyle (Tasca) Kirchmeier; niece Shannon Leach; great-nieces Jazminn Molinas and Pearl Kirchmeier; and many life-long friends.  Additionally, Bob was an honorary grandpa to Christopher and Abigail Wooldridge.

At his request, no service will be held.