Robert L. Mowry

Robert Lee Mowry, 90, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family on March 17, 2025. A devoted husband, loving father, caring brother, and loyal friend, Robert lived a life filled with passion, hard work, and cherished friendships. Born in Battle Creek, Michigan, Robert was the beloved son of the late Carl and Katholine Mowry. As a young man, Robert was an active member of the Future Farmers of America (FFA) and 4-H. His passion for agriculture and livestock continued throughout his life, and he proudly passed his love for 4-H on to his children. Robert proudly served in the U.S. Air Force from 1952 to 1956 as a plane mechanic, working his way up to the position of crew chief. He achieved the rank of Staff Sergeant, which took him to places around the world. After his military service, Robert met Maxine cruising in Marshall, Michigan in 1957. He and Maxine were married in 1959 and built a beautiful life together, raising their family in East Leroy, MI. In 1966, they purchased a home and farm where the family has lived ever since. Farm work, tending to a large vegetable garden, bailing hay and backyard baseball games were part of Robert’s daily life as a young father. Robert was a hardworking and dedicated man. He worked for Standard Oil before beginning a long career at Kellogg’s, where he remained until his retirement in 1993. More than anything, Robert was a wonderful father, husband, provider, and friend. He was incredibly loyal, always putting family first, and his kindness left a lasting impact on everyone he met. His favorite waiters and waitresses knew him by name and often had his order memorized, a testament to the relationships he built throughout his life. Outside of work, Robert had a deep passion for restoring antique “red” tractors, spending countless hours bringing them back to life. He proudly showcased his work at tractor shows, pulls, and parades, with one of his greatest joys being the annual journey across the Mackinac Bridge during the Antique Tractor Parade. He was also an avid bowler and enjoyed being part of Kellogg’s bowling team. Other hobbies included photography and golf. Robert enjoyed traveling across the country, especially out west and down south during the winter months. His travels allowed him to see new places and make many new friends along the way. He loved taking his children on camping trips with friends, creating lifelong memories around campfires and under the stars. Robert is survived by his two sons: Kevin L. Mowry and Steven R. Mowry and two daughters: Karen (Denny) Casey and Sharon (Scott) Waltman, all of Battle Creek. He is also survived by his siblings: William Mowry, Diane (Fred) Peterson, and Eileen Mowry, also from Battle Creek. Robert was a proud grandfather to Trey Casey, Justin (Heather) Casey, both of Battle Creek, and Adam (Emily) Waltman of Hancock, MI. He is also survived by his great grandchildren; Jase, Harlynn, Hainsley and Jensen Casey, all of Ceresco, MI, his niece Cheryl (Scott) Cunic and nephew Alan (Kim) Mowry of Burlington, MI. Virginia Gienlicki, Janet (Doug) Diehl, Carolyn (Kevin) Wardin, Don (Jeffrey) Kasten-Markel and Teri (Jim) Price. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Maxine (Beach) Mowry, with whom he shared 40 wonderful years, and his second wife, Gloria (Davies) Mowry, with whom he was married for 20 years. He was also preceded in death by his parents, grandson, Alec J. Waltman (October 2022), sister-in-law, Elizabeth Mowry and niece, Coriena (Peterson) Collet. The family will receive friends at the Richard A. Henry Funeral Home on Thursday, March 20th from 5:00 to 7:00 pm. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, March 21, 2025, at the funeral home with interment to follow at Newton Cemetery. Immediately following the interment, a luncheon will be held at the Grange/Newton Township Community Building in Ceresco. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Shriners Hospitals for Children, the Calhoun County Yesteryear Association or Humane Society of South-Central Michigan. Robert’s legacy is one of dedication, kindness, loyalty and love of family. Robert will be deeply missed, but his spirit lives on in every antique tractor that roars to life and every road that stretches toward the horizon.