Bobby Ray Rabren

Lieutenant Bobby R. Rabren, United States Navy (Ret.), lived a long and meaningful life marked by service, devotion to family, kindness, and an unwavering love of the outdoors. Born on January 27, 1933, in Conecuh County, Evergreen, Alabama, to Tommie Lucille Barfield Rabren and Daniel Houston Rabren, Bobby was raised with strong values that guided him throughout his life.

He served his country with honor as a Naval Officer, and served during the Korean and Vietnam wars, rising through the ranks from enlisted sailor to Lieutenant as a proud Mustang. A Mustang is a commissioned officer who began their career enlisted—known for their expertise, adaptability, resourcefulness, and their ability to bridge the gap between sailors and officers. True to this legacy, Bobby embodied strength, grounded leadership, and unwavering commitment to those he served beside. His years in the United States Navy shaped him with discipline, integrity, and a deep respect for duty.

One of Bobby’s greatest adventures began when he met Pernicia Alice Landis. The two fell deeply in love and, with youthful certainty, eloped to Yuma, Arizona, where they were married on September 16, 1954. Their marriage blossomed into a lifelong partnership rooted in love, faith, and shared purpose. Pernicia preceded him in death on March 19, 2016, a loss Bobby carried with grace and quiet devotion.

Bobby was a devoted father to his daughters, Stephanie A. Shelton and Pamela L. Gross, whom he loved and supported throughout their lives. He was happiest with a fishing pole in hand—whether deep-sea fishing in open waters or bass fishing across calm, glassy lakes. His family always knew they could find him on a boat, surrounded by the peaceful rhythm of the water.

In his later years, Bobby resided in Nampa, Idaho, where he lived a quiet, reflective life embraced by family. He was immensely proud of his grandchildren—Christopher, Zachary, Nathaniel, and Mary Margaret—and carried each of them close to his heart.

Bobby will be remembered for his steady kindness, his humor, his patriotism, and the profound love he held for those around him. His legacy endures through the memories shared, the values he instilled, and the countless lives he touched during his 92 remarkable years.

He is preceded in death by his wife, Pernicia A. Landis Rabren; his brothers, Howard and Merrell Rabren; and his sister, Corrine Barrow.

He is survived by his sister, Jeanette Gibson; his daughters, Pamela L. Gross and Stephanie A. Shelton; his grandchildren, Christopher, Zachary, Nathaniel, and Mary Margaret; and seven great-grandchildren.

A visitation for family and friends will be held from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Tuesday, December 9, 2025, at Bowman Funeral Parlor, 10254 W. Carlton Bay Dr., Garden City.

A committal service with military honors will be held at 10:00 a.m., Thursday, December 11, 2025, at the Idaho State Veterans Cemetery, 10100 N. Horseshoe Bend Rd., Boise.

Arrangements are under the direction of Bowman Funeral Parlor of Garden City.