J. Robert "Bob" Harrell

J. Robert "Bob" Harrell Battle Creek J. Robert "Bob" Harrell, 93, of Battle Creek died at Lifespan Good Samaritan Hospice Care Residence on Thursday, October 29, 2009. Bob was born on the family farm in Kuttuwa, Kentucky to James Elbert and Elsie Lee (Vaughn) Harrell on February 2, 1916. He was raised on the farm, joined the National Guard and shortly afterwards was mobilized into the U.S. Army. The Army sent him to a one year training course at David Rankon Junior College in St. Louis, MO. From there he went on to serve in the Invasion of Casablanca, Africa and the Middle Eastern Theatre with General George Patton in WWII. Bob was discharged in 1945. Bob was employed at Montgomery Ward for eight years before entering the Life Insurance business in 1953. He completed numerous correspondence courses and two years with Purdue University and extended courses with Michigan State University. As one of the original founders of 20th Century Guardian Life Insurance Company he served on the Board of Directors from the time the company was incorporated. He retired in 1978 as Vice President after 25 years in the life insurance business. Bob also worked part time at the former Robinson's Department Store and then at Farley-Estes & Dowdle Funeral Homes from 1991 until earlier this year when his health failed. He actively served with several community organizations including: President of Southern Michigan Health Insurance Association, member of Battle Creek Life Insurance Association, Board of Directors of Lakeview Business Association, Member of American Legion Post #54, life member of Battle Creek Optimist Club, graduate assistant of the Dale Carnegie Courses in Public Speaking. Bob was a member of Central Christian Church over 60 years. While a member of the church, he served as an Elder for 45 years and during that time he served as chairman for 25 years. He served as a Trustee for 28 years and Bible School Superintendent for 26 years. He also served Central Christian Church as Co-chairman of the Building Committee when the church remodeled the facility at 319 Main Street in 1988; as Chairman of the Building Committee when the church relocated to 713 Riverside Drive, and as Chairman of the committee that oversaw the building addition. The Board of Elders appointed Bob as Honorary Elder in 1988. Bob also served as a Trustee for Great Lakes Bible College for 3 years and was on the Board of Directors of TCM International, Inc. for 21 years. He married Mary Kathryn "Kaye" Harned Watkins on April 7, 1941 in St. Louis, MO and she preceded him in death on January 2, 2002. They were married 60 years. Surviving are a daughter, Bettie St. Clair of Big Rapids; 3 granddaughters, Deborah (Shawn) Waddell and Cathy (Jim) Fountain all of Big Rapids, MI and Pamela Reyers of Rockford, MI; 12 great-grandchildren; 5 great-great-grandchildren; and his special friend and companion, Roberta Thomas of Battle Creek and her family, Karen (Paul) Hansom, Randy (Leah) Thomas, April (Greg) Marshall and their families. Bob grew up with 12 siblings; sisters, Mary Lee (Melvin) Hunt of Crofton, KY, Dixie Mae Redman of Morningview, KY, Nina Fay Beaty of Indianapolis, Rita Grace (Bailey) VanDiver of Madisonville, KY; and brothers, Edward Harrell of Indianapolis, W. Gilbert (Tammy) Harrell of Battle Creek, Roy Ellis Harrell of Indianapolis and Ernest L. (Joyce) Harrell of Indianapolis. Bob was preceded in death by brothers, Lloyd and W. Glenn Harrell and sisters, Ruth Barkidale and I. Dell Harrell. Bob enjoyed golfing, kept a strict exercise regime and loved people. Friends may call after 2:00 p.m. Sunday at the Farley-Estes & Dowdle Funeral Home where they will be received 2:00-4:00 and 6:00-8:00 p.m. Funeral services to celebrate Bob's life will be officiated by Gordon W. Pippin at Central Christian Church 10:00 a.m. Monday, November 2, 2009. Military honors and interment will follow at Ft. Custer National Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Central Christian Church Building Fund, 713 Riverside Dr., Battle Cree, MI 49015. Bob's family extends their sincere appreciation to Roberta and all of Bob's friends who called on and cared for him; and all the staff and volunteers at Lifespan Good Samaritan Hospice Care who made his last days very comfortable. Personal messages for the family may be placed at www.farleyestesdowdle.com.