Robert Homan

There are few for which it can be said that the world is a better place because of their incredible touch, yet all who knew Robert Homan would agree that he was one of these extraordinary people. He worked hard in everything he did and was a firm believer in the notion that anything worth doing is worth doing well. Although he accomplished so much of which to be proud, there was nothing that made Bob more fulfilled than being with the children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren he loved more than life itself. It was clear to see that he was a man of simple and wholesome. A man who was content in all things, Bob created a timeless legacy that will be proudly carried on by those who follow him.

The vibrant decade of the 1920s was filled with numerous advancements in technology that transformed the way we lived our everyday lives. People danced the Charleston and listened to jazz music while baseball was given new life thanks to legends like Ty Cobb and Babe Ruth. Amidst this colorful time was the year 1923 that brought great joy to a bustling family from Hesperia, Michigan, as they welcomed a baby boy into their hearts and home on January 31st. Robert C. was the middle of 12 children born to his parents, Roy E. and Mary Luella (Bunting) Homan, and was raised in the family home. He was joined in his family by his siblings: Harrison, Sarah, Louise, Michael, Virginia, Cleo, Roy, Stan, Marion, Evelyn, and Walter, who were all better known by the following nicknames: Bogie, Sal, Chum, Carb, Pearl, Nutto, Trigger, Smucky Brown, Pete, Geeb, and Powd. Throughout his life, Bob had an affectionate nickname for anyone and everyone including his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

When he was two years old, Bob moved with his family to Vicksburg where he would remain for the rest of his life. As the Roaring 20’s gave way to the 30’s, America was in for some of the darkest days we have ever seen due to the unrelenting grip of the Great Depression. Bob’s father supported his family during this time by running bank-owned farms in the Vicksburg area until the properties were sold. Bob lived a typical life during this time, leaving school before the end of his ninth grade year to work instead. He was lucky to find a job in the farming industry, but once he was old enough, he began working for Post Cereals in Battle Creek. The remainder of Bob’s days in the workforce were spent working as a boxcar loader with Post until he retired after 31 years of dedicated service.

Not to be forgotten during his years as a young man was Bob’s introduction to the woman with whom he would write a love story that would span more than 70 years. Her name was Velma June Garrison, and she belonged to the new family who moved into Bob’s neighborhood. Bob’s sister, Pearl, was a social butterfly who became fast friends with Velma and, one day, boldly asked if Velma would like to go out with her brother, Bob. Thinking he was “really cool”, Velma was more than happy to oblige. Sparks flew right from the start, and just one year later Bob married his sweetheart on November 2, 1942. As the story goes, Bob married Velma for her nice legs. Together they were blessed with the births of five children, Sandra, Sally, Bonnie, Rob, and Ivy.

Although work was a necessary part of his life, Bob looked forward to being with his family more than anything else. They enjoyed annual trips to a small cabin in Grand Marais, Michigan, where as much time as possible was spent outdoors. Bob loved taking his kids hiking to all the area waterfalls while looking for mushrooms along the way. Of course no trip was ever complete without getting some smoked fish. Bob also loved sharing his love for the outdoors with his son, Rob, while deer hunting together.

Bob couldn’t have been happier than when grandchildren began arriving. He had something special that drew kids to him, and if you asked each one of his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, they would all tell you that they were his favorite. Bob told the best stories that captivated these younger generations, especially his “deer stories.” As any great storyteller does, Bob managed to grow the story each time he told it! A true kid at heart, he also loved to joke and tease his grandchildren in such a way that they always fell for his antics each and every time. Bob was truly the ultimate grandparent.

Throughout his life Bob was known for being busy with something. He always had something going whether building a home for his family by himself or helping his son build a retirement home for him and Velma. Bob also loved to fix and make things with wood including shelves, hutches, doll beds, and a little casket for his trusted four-legged friend, “Buddy.” With his love for the outdoors, he also loved ice fishing in his handmade shanty, and he meticulously cared for his yard and gardens. As his friends and family can attest, Bob loved food. It has even been said that he would have been an Olympic contender if piling food onto a plate and eating it all was actually an event. Bob especially loved egg sandwiches, ice cream, popcorn and pickled pig’s feet.

As his health necessitated, Bob began slowing down about five years ago, and it was during the past two years that his health began more rapidly declining.

With unending patience, unwavering strength, and abundant love for his family, Robert Homan made a lasting imprint on the hearts of many. He was gentle and quiet by nature and generous to the point of being selfless, yet he also made those around him laugh and laugh. We will miss his constant whistling, his handcrafted creations, and his colorful stories, but most of all we will miss Bob’s love. His memory will be forever cherished.

Robert C. Homan died March 6, 2013. Bob’s family includes his wife, Velma; children, Sandra “Jughead” (Larry) York, Sally “Snerd” (Buzz) Fort, Bonnie “Blinker” Wolfe, Rob “Henry Dooganfeather” (Kathy “Kate”) Homan, Ivy “Nipper”(Eric) Kirchberg; 12 grandchildren: Kathy, Betsy, Rob, Adam, Dana, Janelle, Heidi, Eric, Megan, Alex, Becky & Zach; and 18 great-grandchildren as well as his brother, Walter “Powd” Homan, and many other relatives. Visit with his family on Sunday from 2:00-4:00 p.m. at Life Story Funeral Home, Vicksburg; 409 S. Main St. (649-1697). A funeral service will be held on Monday at 11:00 a.m. at Centreville Seventh-day Adventist Church; 23679 M-86, Centreville. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com where you can archive a memory or photo. Memorial donations may be made to Hospice Care of Southwest Michigan or Centreville Seventh-day Adventist Church.