Robert Lee “Bob” Poth, 85, of Hicksville, Ohio, passed away on September 9, 2026. Bob was born February 1, 1941, in Hicksville, Ohio, son of the late Virgil and Margaret (Walters) Poth. Their mother, Margaret, raised him and his brothers as a single parent. Serious health challenges kept Bob out of school for much of his childhood. Despite not entering school until his sophomore year, he graduated near the top of his class. It was an early example of the resilience and determination that would define Bob throughout his life. Bob served in the United States Army as a communications specialist, including time at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. While stationed in Missouri and cruising nearby Route 66, Bob met the love of his life and soulmate, Judy. They married on March 19, 1966, beginning a marriage that would last over 57 years. The newlyweds moved back to Hicksville, where Bob returned to Syncro Corporation before becoming manager of the local Union 76 station. He also worked nights and weekends installing TV cable for new developments in Fort Wayne. In 1972, Bob partnered with Tom Knight to open Bob and Tom’s Auto Repair, which became Bob’s Auto Repair in 1977. For decades, Bob served the Hicksville community through his business.

Bob was deeply involved in his community. He was a member and deacon of the First Church of Christ and a longtime member of the Hicksville Rotary Club, where he had more than 40 years of perfect attendance, served for many years as secretary/treasurer and was club president in 1988-89. He also served as president of the Hicksville School Board and Hicksville Chamber of Commerce. After retiring, Bob became a dedicated caregiver for his beloved wife, Judy, caring for her and visiting her every day until she passed away in 2023. Even after qualifying for home hospice, Bob continued to defy the odds and enjoy life as best he could for another 22 months.

Bob was always there when family, friends, or his community needed him. He worked hard, continually defied the odds, and spent his life taking care of the people and community around him.

Surviving are his three sons, Todd (Becca) Poth of Stateline, Nevada, Heath Poth of Hicksville, Ohio, and Appollo (Kamila) Poth of Stateline, Nevada; daughter, Julie Wellisley of Kernersville, North Carolina; eight grandchildren, Amber (Derek) North, Spencer Sunderland, Brennan Stinebuck, Zada Poth, Ayah Poth, Yara Poth, Nathaniel Wellisley, and Nicholas Wellisley; and three great-grandchildren, Natalie, Maverick, and Theodore. Bob was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 57 years, Judy Kay Poth; his mother, Margaret Poth; and two brothers, Clark Poth and Dicky Poth.

Visitation for Bob will be held Friday, September 25, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. at Oberlin-Turnbull Funeral Home, 706 N. Main Street, Hicksville. A memorial service celebrating Bob’s life will begin at 1:00 p.m. in the funeral home with Pastor Eric Bass officiating. Inurnment will follow in Forest Home Cemetery, Hicksville with military rites accorded by combined honor guard Hicksville American Legion Post 223, Farmer American Legion Post 137, and the Sherwood VFW Post 5665.

Memorial contributions can be made to Fort Defiance Humane Society.

Condolences may be sent to the family or memories may be shared at www.oberlinturnbull.com.