Bobby Elders

1959 - 2023

Antwerp - Bobby Wayne Elders, 63, of Antwerp, Ohio, passed away at his home on Tuesday, January 24, 2023. He was cremated - an intimate family celebration of life followed.

Bobby was born on October 4, 1959, to Charles and Mary Ellen Elders. Those who knew him can agree that he had four great loves in his life: Music, ohhh how he loved music, laughing and telling jokes, 'his' Pittsburgh Steelers and he absolutely adored being a Grandpa/Poppy, most of all.

It's never easy to say goodbye. We know that your heart, body and mind were tired and although we are left with an overwhelming sense of grief, it is eased a little by knowing that you are in the presence of Jesus who instantly healed those wounds with his nail scared hands and that knowing someday we will see you again in heaven.

Bobby will be greatly missed by his son, Michael (Andrea) Elders, parents, Charles and Mary Ellen (Higgins) Elders, sisters, Coni (the late Dean) Gaisford, Pam (Steve) Hellemeyer, JoEllen (Todd) Bodine, his beloved grandchildren, Lexy, Damien, Everett, Kortyn and Devin, all of his nieces and nephews, along with Deb, Amanda, Eddie, Sarah, the late David, Brandon, Joshua and all of his extended family and lifetime friends.

Can't help but think that as you were heading towards heaven, you may have anticipated Jesus standing there with his hand on one hip, shaking his head at you. But as you approached and saw that he was on one knee, with his arms stretched out that you probably ran the rest of the way and fell into his loving, forgiving, grace-filled embrace.

He probably stood you up, cupped your face in his hands, kissed you on the forehead and said, 'Welcome home, Son. I love you." He most likely handed you a guitar and a fishing pole and since your hands were full, he probably placed your fishing worms in your mouth, as you both said at the same time with a grin (one of your favorite sayings) "Gotta keep them warm!".

Then he placed his arm around your shoulder and said "Come on Son, you're gonna love this fishing spot." As you walked away, side by side you turned to Jesus and said something. Then Jesus could be heard chuckling and saying, "Good one, Bobby, good one!"