Bob Middaugh

Robert “Bob” Middaugh was a talented man who worked hard throughout his life, but he also took the time to stop and smell the roses along the way. He loved putting his woodworking skills to good use by sharing many of his masterpieces with others. Bob was a dedicated father who like a fine wine, only got better with age. By the time he was blessed with grandchildren, Bob did nothing but spoil this younger generation. When looking for Bob, everyone knew they could usually find him at home since that was where he truly loved to be.

By the dawn of the year 1943, America had been deeply entrenched in the fighting overseas in WWII for over one year. Things were difficult back home too as rationing was enforced on many of the foods people were used to having readily available. Victory gardens were then re-instituted and supplied 40 percent of the vegetables consumed on the home front. It was during this same year that Roscoe and Anna (Haws) Middaugh were able to shift their focus to a time of great joy in their family as they welcomed the birth of their son, Robert, on January 31st. Robert was born in Paw Paw and spent time working on his grandfather's family grape farm during his earliest years. In 1956 their family moved to nearby Vicksburg, located to the southeast of Kalamazoo, where Bob would remain throughout the years that followed. Once there his father owned and operated Ros-Anna Service Station in order to support their family. Bob also worked at the service station from an early age until the mid-seventies, establishing a strong work ethic in him that would remain throughout the rest of his life.

For his formal education, Robert, who was often known as Bob, attended local schools including Vicksburg High School where he met a fellow student with whom he would create a family who he was so very proud of. Her name was Ann Conklin and a romance ensued between them which quickly blossomed into true love. Right after they graduated from high school in 1960, they were united in marriage. It wasn’t long before husband and wife became father and mother when they were blessed with four children: Bob in 1961, Randy in 1963, Rod in 1967, and Roscoe “Rocky” III in 1971. Bob worked hard to support his family through the years in a variety of ways. In addition to working at his father’s service station he also owned a Zephyr gas station in Vicksburg for two years. For several years Bob worked in the shipping department at Fox River Paper Company in Vicksburg. He officially retired when the paper mill closed.

As his children were growing up, Bob created many fond memories with them. There was certainly a place for fun in the Middaugh family too as this was a big part of who Bob was as a person. He often took his children hunting and motorcycling while they were growing up. When Bob’s marriage ended in divorce in 1988, his children felt as though they became even closer to their father, and they also felt as though the divorce made him a better father. Soon after he divorced Bob married Mary Sinclair. Even after they divorced Bob remained close to her children and grandchildren. When his own children were grown and had children of their own, nothing could have thrilled Bob more. He saw grandchildren as the greatest gift and loved spoiling them with every opportunity that arose. Throughout his life Bob fostered close relationships with his five grandchildren: Ashley, Amber, Rodney, Alicia and Abbi Middaugh.

There were many interests that Bob pursued when he could during the years. He enjoyed woodworking and was quite talented at it too. Bob was most famous for his windmills and wishing wells, and he often gave them away to numerous people. With a love for motorcycles, he also enjoyed working on his grandson’s motorcycle. When it came to music, Bob liked listening to country music more than anything else.

Throughout his life Robert Middaugh, Sr. took each day he was given and made it his own. Whether he was working, headed out on the open road on his motorcycle, or just having some down time in his home, Bob enjoyed living. He was so proud of the family he treasured and enjoyed spending time with them as often as he could. Bob always saw the day he met his first wife to be the most significant day of his life, and he was so grateful for the family that sprang forth from their relationship. As Bob’s family and friends now say goodbye, they will be forever thankful for the days they were given with him while keeping his memory alive in their hearts. He will be dearly missed and warmly remembered.

Robert Middaugh of Vicksburg died December 25, 2009. Members of his family include his children, Bob Middaugh, Jr., Randy (Karen) Middaugh, Rod Middaugh, and Roscoe “Rocky” (Beth) Middaugh III; five grandchildren, Ashley, Amber, Rodney, Alicia and Abbi Middaugh; 2 great-grandchildren, Brandon Kaine and C.J. Covel; and his brother, Roscoe “Rocky” Middaugh, Jr. Spend time with Bob’s family and friends, view his life story film and share in light refreshments Wednesday from 4-7 p.m. at the Life Story Funeral Home Vicksburg 409 S. Main Sat. (649-1697). Please visit www.lifestorynet.com where you can archive a favorite memory or photo, sign his guestbook online before coming to the funeral home, or in lieu of flowers, make a memorial donation to the American Heart Association.