Robert L. Makeever

Robert L. Makeever, 96, died January 12, 2025 at Altercare of Bucyrus under the care of Avita Hospice after weeks of failing health.

He was born in Morrow County on December 30, 1928 to the late Seth and Blanche (Moats) Makeever. He was raised near the community of Climax and attended Caledonia High School. While in school, Bob excelled in sports and was the district champion in pole vault his senior year. He also made the acquaintance of Betty Noggle who he began dating and they graduated in 1948. On October 30 of that year, Bob and Betty were married.

After farming in Morrow County for a couple years, Bob and family moved to Monnett when he was hired by The Timken Company in Bucyrus, embarking on a rewarding 42-year career. “Mac,” as he was known to coworkers, was recognized by Mr. Timken himself for his contributions to the plant’s operations. He was the maintenance supervisor when he retired. For extra income, Bob also wired houses, coon hunted, and ran the former Bucyrus Gun Club. After retiring, Bob and Betty wintered in Eustis, Florida on Lake Yale for many years.

Sports were a big part of his life. He pitched in fast pitch softball leagues, coached various baseball leagues of his children, was a gifted trap shooter, fisherman, and an avid bowler at the former Crawford Lanes. He also played a lot of euchre, pinochle, and poker. Bob served as President of the Wynford Athletic Boosters for many years and oversaw the development of many facilities still in use today. He was inducted into the Wynford Sports Hall of Fame in 2011. More recently, he closely followed the sports his great grandchildren participated in.

Bob is survived by children, Debbie Kanable, Lyn (Janet) Makeever, Sue Oberlander, and Carol Makeever; grandchildren, Jeanne Kanable, Eric Kanable, Brittany Pratt (Andrew Miller), Matthew (Kim) Makeever, Kelly (Mark) Burke, Elise (David) Jones, John (Amanda) Oberlander, and Justin Oberlander (Olivia); great grandchildren, Mia, Eric, Carson, Wyatt, Isaac, Noah, Micah, Leah, Louis, and William; along with many nieces, nephews, and extended family.

In addition to his parents, Bob was preceded in death by Betty, his wife of 75 years, in February 2024; son-in-law, John Oberlander; sister-in-law, Phyllis Noggle; and all 11 of his siblings.

All services will be held at Wise Funeral Service in Bucyrus on Monday, January 20. Family will receive friends from 11 am – 1:25 pm and his funeral will begin at 1:30 pm with Pastor John Kibler of Nevada Community Church officiating. Burial will follow in Oakwood Cemetery.

The family asks that rather than sending flowers, friends consider a donation to either Wynford or Bucyrus Athletic Boosters and give through the funeral home. Memories and photos can be shared on the guestbook of Bob’s tribute page at www.wisefuneral.com.