Robert "Bob" Earl Whitman, Sr.

Robert “Bob, Papa” Earl Whitman, Sr. 78, of Blissfield, Michigan, left this world on January 7, 2022, after a brief illness. Those left to cherish his memory include, his wife of 55 years, Sandy. His daughter Rhonda (Scott) Hall of Blissfield and son Robert (Gwenn) Whitman Jr. of Whitehouse, Ohio.  Seven adored grandchildren, Alisha Hall (Jesse Sieler), Nathan (Kelsey) Hall, Mikaela (Greg) Formsma, Gabrielle (Joey) Winkler, Robert Whitman III, Wyatt Whitman, and Raelynn Whitman and great-grandchildren, or as he would say “Papa’s Babies”, Carson, Kimberly, Hazel, and Colton.  Brothers James (Elaine) Whitman and Buford (Alice) Whitman. Brother-in-law James (Joyce) Armstrong and many nieces and nephews.  Preceded in death by father James and beloved mother Martha Arvie Whitman.  Father and mother-in-law Donald and Irene Armstrong. Siblings Earl, Jesse, and Melvin Whitman, sisters Doll Moody, Catherine Pounds, Ollie Mae and Flossy Whitman.                                

Bob was born, the youngest of 10, in Henderson, Tennessee on April 16, 1943, and at the age of 16 migrated to Toledo, Ohio eventually meeting his young wife and starting a family.  Bob worked a variety of jobs in those early years; hospital orderly, cook at White Hut, and even a Merchant Marine. His entrepreneurial spirit led him to become the proprietor of the Silver Coin Tavern and eventually a roofing business, B & J Roofing. Then in 1983 he opened International EPDM Rubber Roofing Systems and became a nationally renowned supplier of commercial roofing systems and components. He held 17 U.S. patents, many of them, related to roofing and worked tirelessly building his business. By 1989 his company was the 102nd fastest growing, private company in the United States. For many in the roofing business his retirement in 2015 marked the end of an iconic era. Bob was a Master Mason, Scottish Rite, York Rite Commandry, Zenobia Shrine and Eastern Star

Bob enjoyed working on his farm, loved watching his grand kids grow up, and his eyes shined brightest when he held one of his great grand babies. He was generous and kind-hearted, always willing to help in any way he could. Simply put, he meant so much to so many. His wry sense of humor, world view, and his stories of growing up were equally prodigious.     

Visitation will be held at Reeb Funeral Home, Sylvania, Monday January 17, 2022, from 4-8:00 P.M. with a Masonic Service being conducted at 7:30 P.M.  Funeral Service at the funeral Home, Tuesday January 18, 2022, at 11:30 A.M. with committal service  following at Resurrection Cemetery, Toledo.   Contributions in Bob’s name may be made to The Shriners Children’s Hospital.  Online Condolences to reebfuneralhome.com

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