Robert A. "Bob" Garee

Robert A. "Bob" Garee, 67 passed away on Wednesday, August 22nd, 2018 at their family homestead in Bath Township after a hard fought battle with cancer. He was surrounded by his devoted and loving wife, children, and grandchildren.

Bob was born December, 1st, 1950 in Roseville, Michigan.  He was the second oldest son of ten children that were born to Robert and Loraine (Durand) Garee who preceded him in death. His siblings were a big part of his childhood growing up; Richard (Sue deceased), Evelyn (deceased), Suzanne (Mike), Kathleen, William, Jacquelyn, Jeannette, Jeannine (Fred), and Mary Frances.  Their home was always filled with family, love, and fellowship.  With all of this also came the value of hard work and dedication to the family and those closest to them.  This was instilled in Robert at a very young age. The family moved to Ohio and started the family business, Bob's Laundry & Dry Cleaning and the American Uniform Company.

Lima, Ohio is where Bob met the love of his life, Paula Jean (Jennison) Garee who survives in the family homestead they built together.  In this home they created a family and life that was filled with support, love and laughter. This love is what carried them through 47 years of marriage.  Bob and Paula then went on to share this love with their three children; Anissa (Neil) Jenkins, Cairo, Ohio, Robert (Michelle) Garee, Perrysburg, Ohio, Scott (Crissy) Garee Waynesfield, Ohio.  He was devoted to Paula and their children and provided a wonderful and loving home and support system for all of them. Bob loved being a husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, and surrounding himself with his family. His grand-children meant the world to him and he was so proud of each one of them; Scott, Cameron, Kaylie, Ethan, Caleb (Emily), Alex, and Grace. His grand-children were blessed to have been able to spend so much quality time with him at the family homestead; learning from grandpa, riding and fixing 4 wheeler's, swimming in the pool, and eating ice cream. Bob recently became a great-grandfather to Nova Ann and even in his sickest days she was able to bring a smile to his face.

He loved family and thought of Paula’s as his own. Cathy (Phil) Williams, Richmond, Texas, David (Melissa) Jennison, Lima, Ohio, Janis (Richard deceased) Sutherly and mother-in-law, Glenna Jean Jennison “Gram”. Preceded in death by his father-in-law Kenneth (Joyce) Jennison. Bob was loved, respected and admired by all, including his over 100 nieces and nephews. He created cherished memories for all and will be missed by his family and friends.

Bob enjoyed working in his shop and drawing ideas to make something new and improved.  He was always creating something fun for the grand-kids or helping their kids, friends and family with home and car repairs. Bob was a smart, strong, caring and compassionate man and would lend his knowledge, strength and tools to help others.

Bob’s professional career began at an early age working along-side his father in the dry cleaners. He used this knowledge to then further his education as a licensed third class stationary steam engineer, journeyman pipe-fitter, and journeyman electrician. He was constantly learning, exploring and continuing his education throughout his professional career and then in 2009 Bob retired from the Ford Lima Engine Plant. Upon his retirement he enjoyed spending as much time as he could with Paula, their children, grand-children, and great-grand-daughter. Bob and Paula worked hard to create a beautiful home, yard, and pool to share with all of their family and friends.

To continue Bob’s generous and loving heart his family would like for any donations to be made to pelotonia.org/bobgaree where 100% of your donation goes towards life-saving cancer research at The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center-James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute.

This Sunday, August 26, 2018, at Chamberlain-Huckeriede Funeral Home Bob’s friends and family may call from 12:00 noon to 6 p.m. with a memorial service at 6 p.m..

Online condolences may be made to www.chamberlainhuckeriede.com.