Robert DeArment

1933 - 2024

Robert DeArment

February 21, 1933 - October 22, 2024

Howard, Pennsylvania - On a sunny fall afternoon Robert DeArment was welcomed into the arms of Jesus after living 91 years to the fullest on this earth.

He was born on February 21, 1933, to Harry and Beulah DeArment in his beloved hometown of Howard, PA. He graduated from Howard High School in 1951 where he played football and basketball.

After graduation he enlisted in the U.S. Navy where he proudly served from 1951 to 1955, stationed in Philadelphia. Upon completing his service to his country, Bob returned to Howard where he joined his father in the insurance business, taking over as owner 3 years later. Bob's career in insurance lasted more than 6 decades. But Bob's story was much more than this. He leaves a legacy that is impossible to capture in a few words. But we'll try.

Bob the Community Leader

When Bob returned to Howard he immediately sought out ways to give back to the community that raised him. He would go on to be a leader in Howard not only as a business owner, but in local government and as a charter member of the Howard Area Lions Club. Through his years of commitment to the Lions Club he was honored as a Melvin Jones Fellow. Bob was also a proud 60-year member of the Howard Fire Company where he volunteered countless hours and held several offices throughout the years.

Bob the Musician

From an early age music was an important part of Bob's life. As a child his mother gave piano lessons from their home and as he grew up music stayed with him. Bob's instrument of choice was his Martin guitar that accompanied his strong tenor voice. He shared his musical gifts in church with the worship band and as an original member of the Back Porch String Band. In his later years his favorite day of each month was the gathering at the J.K. Yearick Center for the Howard Jam, affectionately known to Bob's family as "Pickin' and Grinnin' Sunday".

Bob the Man of Faith

Central to Bob's life was his relationship with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. He was a member of St. John's United Methodist Church in Howard before joining the Walnut Street Church of Christ, later known as the Howard Christian Church. His leadership roles in the church included serving as an elder and as the church representative for Sylvan Hills Christian Service Camp. But Bob's commitment to walking in the footsteps of Jesus stretched beyond the four walls of the church building. Bob lived Christian ideals and openly shared his relationship with Jesus with those around him. He was a good and faithful servant, and we know he is rejoicing as he walks those streets of gold.

Bob the Family Man

From the moment Bob spotted the pretty brown eyed Weaver girl from Romola in the halls of Howard High School, everything changed. Bob and Shirley were united in marriage on June 13, 1953 and shared nearly 66 years together before Shirley's passing on June 1, 2019. Their love multiplied as their family grew. Carrying on their legacy are their children Robert, Jr. (Trudy), Joan (Jeffrey), and Richard (Patti). Pappy loved his four girls, his granddaughters Jessica (James), Caitlin (Andrew), Olivia (William), and Taylor (Jeffrey), and cherished his great-grandchildren (Anna, Raegan, Logan, Owen, Cooper, Brady, Evelyn, Hayes, and Opal).

Bob is also survived by his brother Don (Margie), sister-in-law Lois, and numerous nieces and nephews. In addition to Shirley and his parents, he was predeceased by his sister Beulah.

We invite you to join us in celebrating Bob's life on Saturday, November 2 at the Howard Christian Church at 2 p.m. In lieu of flowers our family suggests you make a donation in Bob's memory to Sylvan Hills Christian Service Camp or to the Howard Fire Company.

We extend our appreciation and gratitude to the Skilled Nursing Unit at Juniper Village and to Grane Hospice for their care and compassion as Bob transitioned from this life on to Glory.