Robert ‘Bob’ WanemacherBOURBON – Robert “Bob” Wanemacher, 89, of Bourbon, passed away peacefully on Thursday, July 15, 2021, at 5 a.m. at Miller’s Merry Manor in Plymouth, where he had been a resident since April 23, 2021.
Bob was born as a twin son to Ralph and Bessie Williams Wanemacher on Dec. 14, 1931, in Wauseon, Ohio. After graduating high school, Bob entered the U.S. Marine Corps, serving from October of 1951 until he was honorably discharged eight years later. Bob and Jeanette Mills Wanemacher were married on Dec. 12, 1953, in Wauseon, Ohio.
The Wanemachers, along with the Lyle Gephart family, moved to Bourbon in 1958 as a result of their work with Page & Cox Egg Company. In addition to their work with Page & Cox, the Wanemachers entered into the restaurant business. They renamed and ran the hometown café, making “Wanemacher’s Grill” their own from 1972-1975. Bob was an entrepreneur and had a vision to further expand upon his speculative passions. He later opened up a gas station, called the “Bourbon Mini Mart” in September of 1976. He ran the gas station until the day of his retirement in 1996. He also had a passion for real estate, purchasing several rental properties in the Bourbon area. He had a strong work ethic and believed deeply in the value of working hard every day, devoting a lot of his time to fixing and/or repairing various aspects of the rental properties themselves. In his earlier days, Bob and his Westwood neighborhood friends would travel to Canada and fish for a solid week before returning home. He was a lifelong member of the Bourbon American Legion Post 424, notably serving as commander from 1964-1965, as well as a member of Post 40/8.
Bob and Peggy Truex Mellott were married on Sept. 6, 2002, in Plymouth. Together, they enjoyed their winters at their second residence in Haines City, Fla. Bob loved his family, the Bourbon community, watching NBA basketball, ice cream and working hard at whatever task he was handed.
Bob is survived by his wife, Peggy, of Bourbon; daughters: Jaymie Westafer, of Bourbon; and Jodie Elmore, of Bourbon; sons: Jim (Kim) Wanemacher, of Noblesville; and Jeff (Kim) Wanemacher, of Bourbon; twin brother, Rollin Wanemacher, of Napoleon, Ohio; sister, Corinne Burkholder, of Archbold, Ohio; and sisters-in-law: Jerri Gephart, of Bremen; and Beverly Wanemacher, of Archbold, Ohio. He is also survived by stepchildren: Steve (Lisa) Mellott, of Wapakoneta, Ohio; Jeff (Renee) Mellott, of Warsaw; Cindy (Paul) Paredes, of Modesto, Calif; grandchildren: Christina (Andy) Crask, Jill (Cody Hite) McKinney, Drew (Kelly) Westafer, Matt (Ashley) Wanemacher, Charlie (Ashley) Elmore, Adam (Katrina) Wanemacher, Ashlee Westafer, Bryce Wanemacher, Hannah Wanemacher; eight stepgrandchildren; and 30 great-grandchildren.
Preceding Bob in death are his parents; wife, Jeanette; daughter, Jerilyn; brothers: Howard and Lowell; and sisters: Fern and Marie.
A visitation service will be held Tuesday, July 20 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at The Country Church in Bourbon with a funeral to follow at 3 p.m. Burial will take place at Pleasant Hill Cemetery with military honors.
In light of continued COVID concerns, wearing masks and social distancing are suggested.
We thank our family and friends for your continued support during these difficult times.
Deaton-Clemens Funeral Home, Bourbon, is privileged to be entrusted with assisting the family.
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In lieu of flowers, the family has requested memorial contributions be made to Bourbon Volunteer Fire Department and Bourbon EMS.
Condolences may be shared by visiting www.deatonclemensfuneralhome.com.
