Robert "Bob" Ivins

Robert "Bob" Ivins Battle Creek Robert "Bob" Ivins, 88 of Battle Creek, left his earthly family to join his heavenly family on Wednesday, November 11, 2009. Bob was born on February 28, 1921 in Battle Creek and was the son of Lester and Bessie (Smith) Ivins.. He was a lifelong resident of Urbandale and married his Urbandale sweetheart, Ellamary Hughes on January 16, 1937 in Angola, IN and they were married for 61 years until her death on January 18, 1998. Bob graduated from Battle Creek Central High School and worked at Eaton's until joining the US Navy in 1944. He served aboard the USS Roberts as a Radioman until 1946. Bob then became a Battle Creek Fireman, retiring as a Lieutenant after 31 years of faithful service. Over 20 years as a blood donor, he also volunteered for the American Red Cross by driving to area blood banks. He was an honorary contributor to the Haven of Rest Mission. Also, Bob received several "Beautiful Battle Creek" Awards for his home, yard and community service. He was an avid reader and really enjoyed watching war movies and war documentaries. One of his favorite pastimes was driving and keeping his car and home, spotless. Bob was a member of the Christ United Methodist Church, Urbandale and a member of the Battle Creek American Legion Post # 298. But, his real joy and love was being with his family. He was a true gentle, kind and giving man. Surviving is his daughter: Sandra L. Adams of Battle Creek; four granddaughters, Debra (Skip) Magee, Pamela (Gary) Andrews, Lisa (Tom) Payne and Brenda (Don) Handlovits; nine great grandchildren; seven great-great-grandchildren and one on the way; two half-sisters, Amanda and Amelia and his step-brother, Gene (Esther) Gift. Bob was preceded in death by his parents; a great granddaughter, Kelli Wood; a special friend, Grace Baughman; a sister; two half-brothers, a half-sister and two step sisters. At the request of the family, friends may call today, November 13th from 5:00 pm to 7:00 p.m. at the Farley-Estes & Dowdle Funeral Home, Battle Creek. The funeral service to celebrate Bob's life will be held on Saturday, November 14th at 11:00 a.m. at the funeral home with the Rev. Carolyn Robinson-Fisher, Pastor of the Christ United Methodist Church, officiating. Entombment will follow in Memorial Park Cemetery, Battle Creek, with the American Legion Post # 298 bestowing full, military honors. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Bob's honor may be made to the American Red Cross, 14600 Beadle Lake Road, Battle Creek, MI, 49014, or to The Haven of Rest Mission, P.O. Box 52, Battle Creek, MI, 49016. Personal messages for the family may be sent to www.farleyestesdowdle.com