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BORN
1945
DIED
2020
FUNERAL HOME
Robert "Bob" Rathbun Obituary
Robert “Bob” Lee Rathbun, age 75, of Fremont passed away on December 11, 2020, at Spectrum Gerber Memorial Hospital in Fremont with his family by his side. Bob was born in Flint, MI on July 16, 1945, to Stanley and Esther (Irwin) Rathbun and later married Ruby Lee Hall on June 1, 1968 in Hixson, TN. Bob and Ruby met while both attending Lee College in Cleveland, TN where Bob studied Ministerial Studies and received his Ordination with the Church of God in January 1976. Bob, along with his wife Ruby, began his ministry immediately following graduation. Together, they pastored 9 different congregations in Maryland, Michigan and Florida. After retiring from pastoring, Bob enjoyed many missionary trips to countries like Russia, South Africa, Trinidad and Grenada. Bob is part of a great family heritage of Church of God ministers. Bob was a member of the Church of God Ministry Center, White Cloud, MI.
Bob is known for his humor and contagious laughter. He enjoyed singing, fishing, boating, hunting, camping, playing golf, talking on ham radios and spending time with his family and friends.
Bob is survived by his wife of 52 years, Ruby, his children, David (Amanda) Rathbun, Newport, Tennessee; Marcie (Tom) Nastri, Crossville, Tennessee, and Kimberly (Mark) DiChiaro, Tampa, Florida; grandchildren, Luke, Robbie, Serena, Nichola, Caitlin, Shelly and Audrey; brothers, Kenneth (Gail) Rathbun, Bonita Springs, Florida and James (Ruth Ann) Rathbun, Grand Blanc, Michigan and many nieces and nephews as well as many friends.
There will be a Celebration of Life on Monday, December 14, 2020 at 5:00 PM at the Church of God Ministry Center in White Cloud with Bishop Jim Fader officiating. Due to the COVID mandates, masks and temperatures at the door will be required for entry. Masks may be removed once seated in the sanctuary. Social distancing will be observed. Friends may consider the Bob Rathbun family to assist with funeral expenses, c/o. Crandell Funeral Home by sending contributions to Crandell Funeral Home P O Box 148 Fremont MI 49412 or by calling the funeral home at 231-924-0800. Arrangements by Crandell Funeral Home – Fremont Chapel. www.crandellfh.com. 231-924-0800
Memories and Condolences
for Robert "Bob" Rathbun
17 Entries
Jerry Smith
December 15, 2020
Bob and I were friends in high school. We lost touch with each other, than reconnected on Facebook a few years ago I was always wanting To get together but waited to long. Bob is singing now with a heavenly choir and worshiping his Lord in Person. We that are still here will miss him but he is with our Lord.
Jerry Smith
Mary Lou (Sewell) Cumbie
December 15, 2020
Two things come to my mind when I picture Brother Rathbun when he pastored the Church of God in Port St. Joe, and they actually go hand in hand; Bob Rathbun loved the Lord, and he was a worshipper. I remember many times hearing him sing, "Heavenly Father, I Appreciate You," with tears rolling down his cheeks. I haven't seen Brother Rathbun in years, but I can only imagine what he experienced at that moment when, for him, the ultimate healing became personal. For to be absent from this body is to be present with The Lord. WOW! What a Blessed Hope for the Christian! We extend our thoughts and prayers to Sister Rathbun, Marcie, David, Kimberly, and the host of family and friends.
Polly Smith
December 15, 2020
Love y’all ❤❤ Very much!!! Will be praying for all of y’all
Angela Evans
December 14, 2020
So sorry for your loss. Prayers for the family.
How you can show support
Joyce Whittaker
December 14, 2020
We had alot of fun and great memories with Bob and Ruby.especially the General Assembly. Our prayers are with you and the family ❤
Amy Bisel
December 14, 2020
Bob was a great man of God. He loved to share his love for the Lord. He also loved Ruby and his family and they often shared story's of them. You will be missed but we shall meet again.
Janice Wendling
December 14, 2020
Ruby and family. I'm so sorry. We will miss him here but I'm sure his family was waiting for him at Heaven's gate with him just a giggling when he walked through. I love you and will miss teasing you about your recipes on Facebook.
Melinda Mcmahan
December 14, 2020
Bob was a great friend and I will always remember him as a great friend but I know that he is no longer hurting in this worldly pain but is in a better place now.Rest in peace Bob. I Love You and Ruby and you will never be forgotten.
Michael Latta
December 14, 2020
In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.
Mike and Brenda Rathbun
December 14, 2020
Ruby, you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers as you grieve the passing of Bob. He will be deeply missed. God will sustain and uplift you in this difficult time. Love and prayers to you and yours.
Mike & Sandra Jenkins
December 14, 2020
Nichola, We.are so sorry for the loss of your Grandfather. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.
John Zimmer
December 13, 2020
Truly, heaven is richer but earth is poorer as we grieve the loss of Bob Rathbun. The Rathbuns have been such great friends to us Zimmers for so long, going back virtually as long as I can remember. There are so many beautiful memories and so many stories involving Bob, Ruby, David, Marcie, Kim, and their families. Bob's laugh and good cheer are a prominent part of many them! More than that, though, I remember his genuine humanness and his heart for others, which he displayed in so many ways. Our prayers are with all the Rathbuns as we await the day when all the sad things come untrue, and death itself is no more.
Bob Bayer
December 13, 2020
Prayers for Ruby and family KE8BLN from KD8SUT&KD8TOH rest in peace another silent key Bob &Doris Bayer
Katy Tyler
December 13, 2020
He will be greatly missed. Prayers and thinking of you Sis. Ruby and family.
Danny, David, and Katy
Margaret Zimmer
December 12, 2020
There are not enough words to express the friendship Ron and I have enjoyed for the past forty years with Bob and Ruby. Distance and time never changed a thing; we could always pick up where we left off when ministry took us to different places. Our children always hung out with the Rathbun children (David, Marcie, and Kim) at the many church conferences and meetings that our families attended over the years. Many times we were among the very last to leave. Bob is going to be missed by the Zimmer family, his unique laughter will be heard in our hearts forever, and his faithful example of a life well lived will champion us on the rest of our journey.
Terry Smith
December 12, 2020
Thank you for your kindness and laughter. It was an honor to know you Bob.
Rhona Medema
December 12, 2020
I was so sorry to hear of Bobs passing , he was a greasy guy , Ruby many prayers.
Showing 1 - 17 of 17 results
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Memorial Events
for Robert "Bob" Rathbun
Dec
14
Celebration of Life
5:00 p.m.
the Church of God Ministry Center
White Cloud, MI
Funeral services provided by:
Crandell Funeral Home - Fremont Chapel7193 W 48th Street P O Box 148, Fremont, MI 49412