Obituary of Robert Belknap

Robert (Bob) Arthur Belknap was born in Monroe, Michigan on June 3, 1932. He was one of nine children the son born from the union of the late Orvill Belknap and the late Leona (Mills) Belknap. Bob married Joyce Ann Vincent on October 18, 1952 at the Erie Presbyterian Church. From this union came the birth of six children. He served his country honorably from December 1952 through September 1954 in the United States Army. Bob supported his family by working at Consumer's Energy for more than 20 years as a Coal Supervisor. Bob was a member of the Riverview Yacht Club where he could share his love of boating. He was a member of the Erie Volunteer Fire Department for 30 years as well as a member of the Erie Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3943. He loved working with his hands and there was not much that he could not fix. Doing yard work was a great source of pride and nobody could do it quite like him! Bob was a good provider and was loved by his family. He ran his home with love and discipline. He will also be greatly missed by the many friends he had in his life. Robert (Bob) Arthur Belknap age 79 of Erie passed away at 2:05 pm, Wednesday, June 22, 2011 at Hospice of Northwest Ohio. In addition to his parents his passing was preceded by his wife Joyce; 3 brothers: Jimmy, Dale and Marv; 2 sisters: Carolyn and Mary Ann. He leaves to cherish his memory a brother: Chuck Belknap of Toledo, two sisters: Delores Harris of Maumee and Nora McMillen of Gage Town; six children: Vickie (Jim LaRiviere) Belknap of Toledo, Linda (Rich) Mathias of Norwalk, Robert Belknap Jr. of Erie, Mark (Nancy) Belknap of Graytown, Ohio, Star (Gilbert) Hernandez of Toledo, and Jerry (Jenifer) Belknap of Temperance; fourteen grandchildren and fourteen great-grandchildren. Friends may gather from 3:00pm until 8:00pm, Sunday, June 26 at Merkle Funeral Service, 9156 Summit Street in Erie, Michigan (734) 848-5185. A Celebration of His Life will be held at 11:00am Monday, June 27 with Pastor Hobbins officiating. Memorial donations are suggested to the Hospice of Northwest Ohio. Online guests may leave words of inspiration and comfort, send a floral arrangement, or share a photo by visiting www.merklefs.com and then selecting the Online Tributes page.