Joseph R. Armstrong

DEFIANCE - Joseph Robert "Bob" Armstrong, age 83 of Defiance, passed away on Sunday, September 28, 2025 at ProMedica Toledo Hospital surrounded by his loving family.

He was born in Fort Wayne, Indiana on June 7, 1942 to the late Robert L. and Marjory E. (Evans) Armstrong. Bob was a 1960 graduate of Defiance High School and Toledo Barber School in 1962. On December 28, 1963 he married Sharon (Andrist) Armstrong who survives.

Bob was a faithful member of St. Mary Catholic Church in Defiance. He worked as a barber for many years and then as a supervisor at General Motors for 28 years until his retirement in 1999. He served on Defiance City Council and was proudly the Mayor of Defiance from 2004 to 2015. He proudly handed out his famous mayoral combs, some of which have traveled all around the world. His dedication to serving our community was evident through his many organization memberships and awards. He was on the committee of the Defiance Hall of Fame, Defiance Rotary Club, Knights of Columbus #1039, Elks Lodge #147, AmVets #1991, VFW #3360, Moose Lodge #2094, Eagles #372 and UAW #211. He enjoyed his involvement with his community and volunteered with the UAW and Democratic Party, Halloween Parade, and Ribfest. His leisure time was spent with his loving family. He loved his dogs, camping, bowling, and family game nights. He loved to bowl and once bowled a 298. He also loved to golf and shot a hole-in-one. Bob enjoyed being a supportive fan of Defiance Athletics, especially football and basketball. He was a proud supporter of the community high school arts programs, especially the Defiance High School Band of Class. No one could think of Bob and not link him to the Cleveland (Indians) Guardians whom he was an avid fan since he was 10 years old. He also rooted for the Cleveland Browns. Bob was a loving husband, father and grandfather and will be greatly missed by his family, his church, good friends, and his community.

Bob is survived by his loving wife Sharon Armstrong of Defiance, his children, Deborah J. Mattocks and Michael J. (Sally) Armstrong, all of Defiance, six grandchildren; Erin Mattocks, Jody (Levi) Bradford, Kira Armstrong, Isabella Armstrong, Elliott Armstrong and Liam Armstrong, and one great-granddaughter, Lyla Bradford. He also leaves behind his brothers, Jim (Andrea) Armstrong of Sandusky, OH and Jerry Armstrong of Ft. Wayne, IN, and his sister, Susie (Paul) Zimmerman of Defiance.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his granddaughter, Shannon Elizabeth Mattocks.

Visitation will be held on Friday, October 3, 2025 from 2:00 pm to 8:00 pm at Schaffer Funeral Home South, Lawson/Roessner Chapel (1753 S. Clinton Street) in Defiance. A Mass of Christian burial will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, October 4th at St. Mary Catholic Church with Fr. David Cirata officiating. Bob will be laid to rest at Riverside Cemetery.

Memorials are suggested to Ft. Defiance Humane Society or St. Mary Food Pantry. Online condolences can be given at www.Schafferfh.com.