Marion Francis ‘Bud’ Robenalt

Marion Francis “Bud” Robenalt, 83, of Van Wert, went home to be with his Lord and Savior at 12:35 p.m. Thursday, February 28, 2013, at the Van Wert Area Inpatient Hospice Center.

He was born July 7, 1929, in Lima, the son of the late Marion Allen and Irene Frances (Ley) Robenalt. On September 5, 1953, he married Carla M. (Schumacher) Robenalt, who survives in Van Wert.

Bud was a 1948 graduate of Lima Senior High School. He was a veteran of the United States Air Force, serving as a control tower operator from 1948-1952. He retired from Ohio Power Company (AEP) as a distribution planner and customer service representative after 39 years in the Lima, Van Wert and Paulding offices.

He was a former member of Calvary Evangelical Church in Van Wert, where he taught Sunday School and served on the church board, and recently attended First Baptist Church in Van Wert. He was a member of Gideons International for many years and served as Memorial Bible chairman. He was also a charter member of the Van Wert County Outdoorsmen Association.

Bud was a woodworker who made many beautiful pieces of furniture for his family. He also enjoyed flower gardening, photography, woodcarving and stamp collecting.

In addition to his wife, survivors include five children, Sherry A. (John) Rager of Van Wert, Deborah L. (Robert) Sowers of Jeffersonton, Va., Jeffrey L. (Kassy) Robenalt and Mark F. Robenalt, both of Van Wert, and David W. Robenalt of Celina; 13 grandchildren, Allen, Andrew, Tamara, Betsy, Adam and Ryan Rager, Chad Seibert, Becky Hathaway, and Kimberly DiFede, Nathan and Ian Robenalt and Shane and Taylor Robenalt; nine great-grandchildren; and a brother, Jimmy (Deanna) Robenalt of Tempe, Ariz.

A sister, Patricia Hites; and one brother, Robert Robenalt, also preceded him in death.

Funeral services will be conducted at 10:30 a.m. Monday, March 4, at First Baptist Church in Van Wert, with Pastor Steve A. Robinson officiating. Burial will be in Woodland Cemetery in Van Wert.

Calling hours are from 1-5 p.m. Sunday, March 3, at Cowan & Son Funeral Home in Van Wert, and an hour prior to services Monday at the church.

Preferred memorials: Bibles for Gideons International.

Online condolences may be sent to www.cowanfuneralhome.com.