Ted Robb

Theodore "Ted" Robb was a soft-spoken man with a big heart. He was intelligent and talented and used his skills in a variety of ways. Most importantly, he was a devoted husband, father and grandfather, willing to help his loved ones in any way he could. A loving family man and friend to many, Ted had the type of personality that everyone loved to be around.

The 1940s were dominated by World War II, which ultimately pulled the United States out of the Great Depression. At the same time, thousands of women united and labored to keep domestic industries running full steam. Meanwhile, Americans were being entertained by the release of Casablanca in the theaters while the first color episode of the Looney Tunes cartoons aired. It was during this time of patriotism that Warren and Gertrude (DeVries) Robb of Kalamazoo, Michigan, welcomed the birth of their son, Theodore, on September 30, 1943.

Ted, as he was called, spent the first 8 years of his life in Kalamazoo, then his family moved to Tampa, Florida, where he attended school through the 11th grade. After graduating, Ted enlisted in the U.S. Army and served in the service communications division before entering the special forces of the Green Beret. He was lucky to serve during peacetime and was honorably discharged in 1961. Ted then returned to Florida, settling in Ocala, where he met a lovely young lady named Susan Glenn. Through some mutual friends, the two were set up on a blind date and were inseparable after that fateful night. The couple was happily married on December 29, 1965, and was blessed with two sons, Warren born on December 21, 1967, and Randy on December 3, 1972. During this time, Ted supported his growing family as a roofer in his own roofing company, though later he tried a different avenue and became a car salesman, which he loved.

A year after his son Warren was born Ted moved his family back to Michigan, settling in Battle Creek for 2 years before making their home in Plainwell in 1970. Ted was a man of many talents and worked a variety of jobs throughout his lifetime. After setting up house in Michigan, he found work at Eaton Corp for 3 years, then sold cars at HJ Cooper for 8 years and put in 16 years at Flint Ink, making industrial ink. In addition, Ted also worked for some time at a company called Church Directory, wherein he traveled around the area taking pictures for church directories. Always willing to help others, Ted had sensitivity for people in need. Through his job as a home-helper, he was able to provide assistance to elderly people who needed work done around their homes. Ted truly enjoyed spending time with the older folks, particularly two gentlemen he helped out for a year.

It was no secret that Ted was an excellent husband and father. His love for his children and grandchildren was evident and he found great joy in them. When his boys were growing up, they always knew they could come to him for anything. Later, his grandchildren would add yet another great blessing to his life. Ted and Susan had a wonderful marriage and were the best of friends. They loved spending time together, whether it was shopping at flea markets and garage sales or going to the movies, they cherished their time together. A true gentleman, Ted always wanted the best for his wife. This was true for his sons too. His son Randy was born with spina bifida and Ted built him a special wooden slide so he could bowl with the family. He also volunteered with the SW Michigan Spina Bifida Organization. It truly broke Ted's heart when Randy died in 1998.

In Ted's free time, he loved woodworking in his basement and had every tool imaginable for this trade. His excellent craftsmanship was evident in his handmade picture frames, quilt hangers, coat racks, cabinets, and so much more. Ted's most defining trait was the barn scenes he etched into his masterpieces. He was also a member of the First Baptist Church in Plainwell. Ted was known for putting the needs of others before his own. His generous heart led him to help without a second thought. He didn't care about recognition or praise; he was just pleased with doing his best and working hard. His greatest joy was found in his family. Ted was a loving husband and father, and was completely content with what he had been given. He will be lovingly remembered for his kind and generous nature as well as his deep commitment to family.

Ted Robb, age 62 of Plainwell, died at his home on Friday, October 7, 2005. Ted's family includes his wife, Susan Robb; son, Warren & Regenia Robb of Grand Rapids; grandchildren, Chelsea & T.J. Robb; several brothers & sisters; and many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces & nephews. He was preceded in death by his son, Randy Robb, his parents and sister, Lillian.

Learn more about Ted and visit with his family on Monday, October 10, from 2-4 & 6-8 p.m. at the RDMG Life Story Funeral Home, Plainwell Chapel, where his service will be held on Tuesday, October 11, at 2 p.m. Please visit Ted's memory page at www.lifestorynet.com where you may archive a favorite memory, order flowers or make a memorial contribution to the SW Michigan Spina Bifida Organization.