Robert E. Bowe

Robert E. Bowe, age 100, of Toledo, Ohio, passed away peacefully in his home, on October 9, 2011. Bob was born December 15, 1910 in Tiffin, Ohio, to the late Earl Erastus and Fanny May Bowe. He was the great-great-grandson of Erastus Bowe, who constructed the first settlement in Seneca County. That settlement later became known as the City of Tiffin. Bob spent his childhood summers at the family cottage at Lake Mohawk, just south of Tiffin. He graduated from Tiffin Columbian High School, earned a Liberal Arts degree from Heidelberg College, and spent another year at Tiffin University where he took courses in business and accounting. After declining an offer from his father to work at the family's Pontiac dealership, Bob left Tiffin and eventually ventured to Toledo. In 1941, Bob was drafted by the army. Following completion of basic training, he was singled out of a platoon ready to ship out, and ordered to remain at Camp Perry where his accounting skills were needed. He remained there until the war ended and received an honorable discharge. Bob returned to his position at Northern Ohio Investment Company where he worked for 43 years, retiring as a senior vice president, in the late 1980's. A co-worker recently remarked,”you don't find many businessmen like Bob anymore. He was a gentleman and a consummate professional. He was meticulous in his work and had a very good mind. He didn't make mistakes. He preferred a pencil and paper to an adding machine and a calculator. He was unassuming, quiet, but had a good sense of humor. He smiled frequently and never spoke ill of anyone. “ Not only did Bob work in Toledo, he played in Toledo. He was an avid boater who frequently cruised between Toledo and Port Clinton. At the age of 84 he bought a 25 foot boat which he captained on the Maumee River for the next ten years. Bob also loved to dance. He began taking dancing lessons when he was in his late 50's. For the next thirty five years, he danced weekly at the Toledo Moose Lodge, Fraternal Order of Eagles, and Bowman and Sylvania Senior Centers. He was very proud of a large trophy he won early in his dancing career, participating in a dance contest with his instructor. He was also a regular at the Masonic Temple each New Year's eve, dancing to the music of the late Johnny Knorr. Boundless other interests filled Bob's life. He was an avid photographer. From taking pictures at the zoo to photographing the art work of Paul Stankard in his glass paperweight shop, Bob enjoyed using his camera. He was active in glass collecting clubs, and enjoyed working on painting and woodworking projects at home and at the church. Most of all, along with his family, Bob loved his church. The very first week he retired, he told his church that he was ready to volunteer there doing anything they needed ??" and he continued working there at least one day a week until almost three years ago when his health began to decline. One of the most memorable trips he took was to Jerusalem with an Epworth group. Bob accomplished his final dream, being able to spend his last months in his own home. He was assisted by his grandson, Chuck Jacob, several other dedicated caregivers and Heartland Hospice. He leaves behind, to cherish his memory, his loving sister, Dorothy Bowe, daughter, Robin Jacob, grandchildren Chuck Jacob, Patrick (Ellie) Jacob of Toledo, OH, John Jacob of Pineville, NC and Julie (Doug) Cook of Jacksonville, FL, and 5 great-grandchildren, KC, Chaz & CJ Jacob, and Parker and Emily Jacob, of Toledo, OH, and many dear friends from Epworth Church. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Robert Bowe, to Epworth United Methodist Church, 3077 Valleyview Dr. at Central Ave., Toledo, Oh 43615, where a Memorial Service will be held on Sunday, Oct. 16 @ 3pm. Ansberg-West Funeral Directors (419) 472-7633.

Robert E. Bowe

December 15, 1910 - October 9, 2011