1928
Robert
2013
Robert Rathbun
July 16, 1928 — August 1, 2013
Robert W. “Bob” Rathbun, age 85, of Battle Creek, MI died Thursday, August 1, 2013 after a lengthy fight against cancer. He died peacefully in his sleep with the love of his family surrounding him.
Bob, the son of William and Lila (Leedy) Rathbun was born in Battle Creek on July 16, 1928. In 1945 he enlisted in the U.S. Navy as a Seaman and served until 1947. Following his tour in the Navy he was employed at Kellogg’s for 41 years and was a member of the 25 Year Club; retiring in 1988.
On September 6, 1948, he married the love of his life, Pat Kerr and they would have been married 65 years next month. Bob was an accomplished craftsman building his first home on 25th Street. He enjoyed living at Goguac Lake for many years and had fun with his children and grandchildren while there. Bob was an avid skier and enjoyed lake living. Later they were able to enjoy many years of retirement together and loved traveling, golf, his vegetable garden, and most importantly their many grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great-great grandchild. Bob especially loved kids and had a great connection with them.
He was preceded in death by his mother, father, and stepfather; Maurice Dean, and sisters Winifred Evans and Carol Mansfield-Mathes; and a very special grandson, Dan Simon.
He is survived by his wife Pat; daughters: Deb (David) Buford, Linda (Larry) VanBlarcum, Robin (Doug) Welton and Lisa (Gene) Simon. Grandchildren: Aaron and Nathan Buford, Brian VanBlarcum, Emily Miller, Chad and David Welton, Darcy Cotant, Amy and Zachary Simon. Fifteen great grandchildren and one great-great grandchild, all who loved Bob dearly.
At Bob's request cremation has taken place and a private memorial service will be held for the family. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made to Lifespan Hospice. Arrangements by the Richard A. Henry Funeral Home. www.henryfuneralhome.org
Bob, the son of William and Lila (Leedy) Rathbun was born in Battle Creek on July 16, 1928. In 1945 he enlisted in the U.S. Navy as a Seaman and served until 1947. Following his tour in the Navy he was employed at Kellogg’s for 41 years and was a member of the 25 Year Club; retiring in 1988.
On September 6, 1948, he married the love of his life, Pat Kerr and they would have been married 65 years next month. Bob was an accomplished craftsman building his first home on 25th Street. He enjoyed living at Goguac Lake for many years and had fun with his children and grandchildren while there. Bob was an avid skier and enjoyed lake living. Later they were able to enjoy many years of retirement together and loved traveling, golf, his vegetable garden, and most importantly their many grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great-great grandchild. Bob especially loved kids and had a great connection with them.
He was preceded in death by his mother, father, and stepfather; Maurice Dean, and sisters Winifred Evans and Carol Mansfield-Mathes; and a very special grandson, Dan Simon.
He is survived by his wife Pat; daughters: Deb (David) Buford, Linda (Larry) VanBlarcum, Robin (Doug) Welton and Lisa (Gene) Simon. Grandchildren: Aaron and Nathan Buford, Brian VanBlarcum, Emily Miller, Chad and David Welton, Darcy Cotant, Amy and Zachary Simon. Fifteen great grandchildren and one great-great grandchild, all who loved Bob dearly.
At Bob's request cremation has taken place and a private memorial service will be held for the family. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made to Lifespan Hospice. Arrangements by the Richard A. Henry Funeral Home. www.henryfuneralhome.org
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