Leonard K. Herendeen, former Antioch police chief and mayor, died on March 15, 2018.

Leonard King Herendeen

July 10, 1929 ~ March 15, 2018

Resident of Antioch, California

“HE CAME, HE SERVED, HIS MEMORY LIVES ON”

Len was born in Long Beach, CA. He joined the Marine Corps. on July 30, 1946 and was discharged on January 28, 1948. In 1950 he married his college sweetheart, Jodena and bought their first home with the G.I. Bill. Two daugh­ters soon followed, Mary Herendeen and Terry Gurney.

He graduated from Long Beach State College with a Bachelor of Science degree in 1958. He received his Master’s Degree in Public Education in 1969. Len joined the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department in 1954. During the 25 years he served, he went up the ranks to Inspector.

He became a Mason and served for over 50 years. He was a Past Master. When he retired in 1979 he became the Police Chief of Antioch. He retired in 1991.

In December 1994 he was appointed Mayor of Antioch by the City Council and served through December 1996.

He married his second wife, Barbara in 1983 and they had 34 wonderful years together. She added three daughters to the mix; Debra Francisco, Sharon Moreland and Rachel Friedman.

Barbara would like those who worked with or knew Len to please join the family at a Celebration of his life at the Lone Tree Golf Course on Thursday, April 5, 2018 at 5:30p.m. Seating is limited to the first 200 people.

Bob Brooks

Memorial service this Saturday, Dec. 2

R. “Bob” Brooks was born in Little Rock, Arkansas on October 29, 1944 to Earl Robert Brooks and Lela Jeanette Drears. He is survived by his wife, Barbara J Brooks and son, David Michael Brooks, his sister, Valerie Powell and brother-in-law, Joseph; and brother, Kim Lamar Veasey and sister-in-law, Debra and a host of nieces and nephews.

Viet Nam War Veteran – U.S. Air Force.

Had many personal accomplishments: A licensed private airplane pilot, professional singer, received a Bachelor’s degree, cum laude, 2006 and MBA degree in 2007 at the age of 63. Embraced Judaism together with wife, Barbara in 1992.

He had a long business career as a Licensed California Real Estate and Mortgage Broker, Income Tax Consultant, acquired financing for the movie “The Grand Canyon and It’s Hidden Secrets” by, Oscar Winning Director, Keith Merrill.

Former Associate Professor – Real Estate, California State University, Hayward, former Member, Board of Directors, Antioch Chamber of Commerce, founded Antioch Bail Bonds and the Delta Gazette Newspaper and owner of O.T.’s BBQ Sauce,

Vice Chairman, Contra Costa County Assessment Appeals Board from 2004 – 2014.

Bob passed away October 24, 2017. He received military honors and was laid to rest at Sacramento Valley National Cemetery on November 7, 2017

Donations can be made in Bob’s name to the American Cancer Society or your charity of choice. A memorial service will be held on December 2 from 2pm to 4pm at Congregation B’nai Torah, 50 Sand Creek Rd Ste 140, Brentwood, CA 94513. Please join me as we pay our last respect and celebrate the life of Bob Brooks.

Joanne Waldie, wife of the late Antioch native and former politician Jerome R. Waldie, passed away earlier this month, due to complications related to Alzheimers.  She was born on July 3, 1927 and passed away on October 11, 2017.  She is survived by her three children, Jill Waldie of Placerville, Jon and Kathy Waldie of El Dorado, and Jeff and Kim Waldie of South Lake Tahoe.  She leaves behind 7 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren.

Waldie Plaza where the summer concerts in the park are held in Antioch’s downtown was named for the late Congressman.

No service will be held per her request. She asked that any donations in her memory be directed to local non-profit animal rescue organizations. 

Services to be held Friday, Oct. 20 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Ignatius of Antioch

Barbara at the age of 81 passed quietly on the morning of the 12th of October with family by her side. Barbara graduated from Richmond Union High School in 1954 and married her husband James in 1955, they were married for 61 years. James died August of 2016.

Barbara had six children, one a twin died at birth. Her surviving children are; Sherry Donovan, Lori, husband Richard Ogorchock, Michael, wife Diane George, Mitchell, wife Cyndy George and Joni, husband Joe Malfitano. Barbara had 14 grandchildren and 18 great grandchildren, each held a very special place in her heart. Barbara is survived by her brother William Harris.

Barbara was an Antioch Unified School bus driver for 30+ years, she loved driving her bus #23. Barbara knew all of her children by name, she loved each and every one of them, and there were hundreds of them. Barbara also drove the bus for Delta Bowl, where she would pick up children take them bowling, which included her own children, would then take each of them home.

When Barbara retired from the school district she enjoyed quilting with her best friend Barbara, she was very involved in the Delta Quilters, she loved to read and her favorite magazine was Reader’s Digest. Barbara was an avid bowler, she and James bowled at least three times a week, if not more.

Barbara always had a hug, smile or quick come back, she will be missed by many, especially her family who loved and adored her.

Services will be held at St. Ignatius of Antioch, Friday, October 20th at 10:30 a.m. with reception immediately following. To honor Barbara, you can donate to St. Patrick’s Seminary for the Seminarian Formation or the Alzheimer’s Association.

Fred Rouse
4/22/60 – 7/23/17

Fred, loving husband of Tina Rouse, was born on April 22, 1960 in San Antonio, TX and passed away peacefully in Antioch on Sunday evening, July 23, 2017 at 57 years of age.

Fred and Tina met in San Jose at Santa Teresa High School and later married in Cupid’s Chapel in Las Vegas, Nevada on February 21, 1986. Fred loved Tina with all his heart and would do anything for her. They shared their life together as well as pet names for each other and their favorite songs – Eric Clapton’s Wonderful Tonight, Chicago’s You’re the Inspiration and You Are My Sunshine. He was a caring, loving, and giving protector. Fred had a wonderful sense of humor, loved his family and friends deeply and appreciated them greatly.

Fred’s biggest passion was music and he played with many bands over the years. He began playing music at eight years old and was proficient in over a dozen instruments. He loved everything about music including all types of audio components and vinyl records collecting close to 1,000 over the years. The Beatles were one of his favorite groups.

Fred also had a heart for philanthropy and helped out in many ways in the Antioch community including volunteering for Habitat for Humanity, educating elementary students about banking and money, and teaching foster children guitar through his program Guitars Not Guns. He also ran for City Council in Antioch in 2016 and served for ten years on the Board of Administrative Appeals.

Fred was predeceased by his parents, Roy M. Rouse of New York and Jean Rouse of Boston and his brother, Roy Rouse II. He leaves behind his beloved wife Tina of 31 years; Colleen (sister) and Dave (brother-in-law) Cushion, niece Kristy and three great nieces/nephews, niece Cindy Cushion Causer (Nathan) and three great nephews; two nieces Annie and Amanda; his Uncle Marty and Aunt Shelly of New York, four cousins and their families; two cousins, Donya and Patrick Murphy and their families; many beloved family members on Tina’s side of the family and many wonderful friends.

Services were held for Fred on Friday, August 4 at St. Julie’s Catholic Church in San Jose and a graveside service at Oak View Memorial Park in Antioch on Saturday, Aug. 5, followed by a reception at Higgins Chapel also in Antioch.

Dale Staley 9/22/53 – 7/16/17

Dale Staley was born in Chicago on September 22, 1953. In Castro Valley, on July 16, 2017 at approximately 10:30 am, he went home to the Lord.

Dale died far too young at only 63 years old. He is survived by his wife, Sheryl, his children, Patrick and Jennifer, his dog William, and his brother Timothy. 

Dale was born in Chicago but soon moved to Dallas where he spent most of his youth. He attended college at UGA (Univ. of Georgia, Athens). It was during his college years that he would begin his lifelong love affair with photography. A hobby which endured throughout his life. He also deepened and developed his love of astronomy and astrophysics while in college. 

After college, he returned to Chicago where he met his wife, Sheryl. They moved to Memphis, TN where their daughter was born. Soon after they moved to Dun Woody, GA. A few years later they moved to CA, where their son was born. Ultimately, they moved to Antioch, CA in 1995 and have lived there since. 

Dale was a man who loved life and loved to explore all that it had to offer. He rarely passed up the opportunity to learn something new when given the chance, a trait he passed on to his children. He also instilled in them the desire to fearlessly pursue what they were passionate about and to be willing to take risks in life. 

He also loved God and Christ and it is through them that he expressed another great love and passion of his, working with youth. He took great joy in working with students at both Church on the Rock and First Family Church, both in Antioch, CA. He especially enjoyed working with the Middle School group and found great joy helping students and encouraging them throughout the years. 

Over the years he has lived a full life and served as an inspiration and encouragement to many. Dale’s spirit lives on in the many lives he has touched and lessons he has shared with his students, friends, and family.

A Memorial Service will be held Saturday, August 5, 2017 at 2:00-3:00 p.m. at First Family Church at 3195 Contra Loma Blvd. in Antioch, CA followed by a potluck reception and celebration of Dale’s life.

Father Vicente celebrates 60 years in the priesthood in August, 2015. File photo.

Father Francisco Vicente, OP the long-time priest at Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Antioch died on Saturday, June 17 at the age of 88.

In a post on the church’s Facebook page on Saturday morning the church announced his passing and offered a prayer.

“It is with deep sadness that the Dominican Community announces the Passing of Fr. Francisco Vicente into eternal life early this morning.

Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord. And let perpetual light shine upon him. May his soul and the Soul of all the Faithful Departed through the mercy of God Rest in Peace. Amen”

The funeral arrangements for Father Vicente are as follows:

Vigil

Wednesday, June 21st at 7:30pm

Holy Rosary Church

1313 A Street, Antioch

Funeral Mass

Thursday, June 22nd at 10:00am

Holy Rosary Church

Luncheon Reception immediately after Mass at Holy Rosary

Burial

Thursday, June 22nd at 2:00pm

Saint Dominic’s Cemetery

Benicia, California

Glenn Houston

Glenn Houston, 68, died June 7th, 2017, with his wife by his side in Antioch, CA.

A memorial service will be held Monday, June 12th, 2017 at 1:00 pm in the home of Monica Houston for close friends and family.

Glenn spent most of his adult life in Roseville, CA with his son and daughter. Glenn and Monica spent the last 12 years married and shared many happy memories with friends and family. Glenn enjoyed working on cars, building car models and cooking. He was an amazing father and husband and was always willing to offer a helping hand. He fought a long battle with many health complications, but always found the joy in life and was comical to the end.

Mr. Houston is survived by his wife, Monica Houston; son Ed Houston; Bill Houston and spouse Stephanie Huston, daughter Missy and spouse Casey Stice, Carol Clark, Natane Engle and Tiffany Whipple, and 11 grandchildren.