Robert HOLCOMB

News Death Notice

HOLCOMB, Robert (Bob) Died a couple of days ago which wasn't exactly unexpected as he had been in poopy health for years. While he never complained much, those that knew him were aware that he suffered several heart attacks and had quadruple bypass open heart surgery before age 40, and it kinda went downhill from there. Born in Kemp, Texas on April 11, 1940, he graduated from Monterey High School in Lubbock, Texas in 1958. He obtained an Associate of Arts degree from Lubbock Christian University which he attended on a basketball scholarship and received a Bachelor of Business Administration from Texas Western College in 1963 (now the University of Texas, El Paso). He pursued post-graduate studies through the Gemological Institute of America, the World Gold Council, and Diamonds International plus continuing education courses at the University of Texas, Brownsville. Significant honors and awards include: "Honored Exhibitor" International Gem & Mineral Show, Washington, D.C., 1969, "Diamonds International Award" from DeBeers (one of less than 250 U.S. recipients in 1972), "Who's Who in American Commerce & Industry", 1996, and he especially appreciated being named an "Honorary Mexican" by his Hispanic poker buddies in Brownsville. In addition to his beloved sister, Sarjim Wenzel of Lubbock, Texas, he is survived by his wife, business partner, lover, and best friend of 52 years, Rhoda Antoinette (Toni) Holcomb with whom he was co-owner/operator of the Cab-N-Facet Fine Jewelry in Springfield, Ohio for some 35 years. While a member of numerous professional and trade organizations, groups and clubs, he was particularly proud of his association with the Masonic Order being a Blue Lodge Master Mason and a 32nd degree Scottish Rite Mason. He also held life memberships in Delta Sigma Pi (National Honorary Business Fraternity) and the American Numismatic Association. In accordance with his wishes, Bob will be cremated with half of his cremated remains to be buried in the Ohio Masonic Community Cemetery and the remainder scattered over some favorite haunts of his somewhat misspent youth in Lubbock, Texas. A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday in the Wooley Chapel of the Ohio Masonic Community with Chaplain Bruce Vincent presiding. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. Don't waste money on flowers...if you have extra bucks, send them to the Ohio Masonic Home Benevolent Endowment Foundation, 5 Masonic Dr., Springfield, Ohio 45504 where they will be put to good use and appreciated. The LITTLETON & RUE FUNERAL HOME is serving the family. You may express condolences to the family at www.littletonandrue.com