Search Results

AUDETTE -- ROBERT V. MR. ROUTE 66 was born October 23, 1926 in Chicago, IL. The Great Depression began when he was a toddler. Route 66 became the Mother Road, a path to a new beginning. Bob Audette followed in his father's footsteps to become the second generation of Union Steelworkers. His father, Philamon Audette, helped form the first Steelworkers Union in Chicago. In World War II, Bob joined the Navy as a Frogman. Bob's ship sank, and he credited a vision of his future wife and mother of his children as his inspiration to keep swimming. Bob received a Purple Heart. Bob married Anita in 1952 and the family grew by three children, Mike, Kim and Kit by 1957. After divorcing, Bob was a steelworker for the next couple of decades. He also repaired and restored cars as Mountain Man Wrecking. Bob said that he discovered life after he died of a heart attack in 1985. While Bob recovered, he reconnected with his children. Bob also found a mission: Route 66. Bob Audette was born the same year as Route 66. He lived between the Mother Road and I-40 at Barton, a ghost town near Edgewood. He became Mr. Route 66 by achieving historical status for Route 66 and restoring its commercial viability. Bob Audette passed to the afterlife on Monday, March 19, 2012 at age 85. Bob Audette was preceded in death by his parents; ex-wife; siblings; and his son, Mike. He is survived by daughter Kim of Truth or Consequences, married to Rick O'Neill; son Kit of Albuquerque; and grandson Bryan Lee (age 38), son of Mike. Military services are Saturday, March 31st at 10:30 am at Mountain Valley Cemetery in Edgewood.
        Published on: Thu March 29, 2012