Robert Allen "Bob" Van Winkle

VAN WINKLE Robert Allen "Bob" Van Winkle, 65, of West Mansfield, died quietly Saturday, September 20, 2008, at Heartland of Marysville with his wife and family at his side from a rare form of thyroid cancer. Bob was a farmer, father, and friend who believed in Jesus Christ. He was a graduate of Westerville High School and received his Bachelor of Science degree in Agriculture Education from The Ohio State University in 1970. He served in the U.S. Army Signal Corps which included a year assignment in Vietnam. Devoted to agriculture, Bob purchased a dairy farm just outside West Mansfield in 1972 and moved there with his family. He was a member of the West Mansfield Baptist Church for 36 years, serving as Sunday school teacher and superintendent, deacon, and church moderator. He also served as a substitute teacher for local public schools for 30 years. Bob enjoyed camping and traveling and treasured time spent with his family, including five foreign exchange students. Born in Columbus, Ohio on August 16, 1943, he was the oldest of four children of the late Quentin and Mildred Knutson Van Winkle. Survivors include his wife of forty years, Sharon Mirise Van Winkle, to whom he was married on March 22, 1968, in Columbus; 8 children, Lisa (Bill) Lewins of Cleveland; Rachael Ross and Sarah (Adam) Davie of Columbus, Gretchen (Robbie) Powell, Bellefontaine, Robert (Christine) Van Winkle of Rushsylvania, Philip (Kristina) Van Winkle of Plain City, Joel (Jessica) Van Winkle of Camp LeJeune, North Carolina, and Michael Van Winkle, West Mansfield; 18 grandchildren; a brother, James (Cherille) Van Winkle, West Mansfield; 2 sisters, Jean Engstrom, Indianapolis, IN, and Gretchen Van Winkle, Columbus; a niece; 4 nephews; many friends and his church family. Friends may call from 2-8 p.m. on Tuesday, September 23, 2008, at MANNASMITH-SCHNURRENBERGER FUNERAL HOME, West Mansfield. Funeral services will be held Wednesday, September 24, 2008, at 10:30 a.m. at the West Mansfield Baptist Church, 271 N. Dean Street, West Mansfield. Pastor William Zearfuss will officiate and be assisted by Pastor Bill Snyder and the Rev. Dr. Gary Staats. Burial will take place at Greenlawn Cemetery, West Mansfield. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society or the West Mansfield Baptist Church in care of the funeral home. Condolences may be expressed at www.mannasmithfuneralhome.com. Pallbearers will be Robert Q. Van Winkle, Joel Van Winkle, Philip Van Winkle, Michael Van Winkle, William Lewins, Adam Davie, Robbie Powell, and Erik Engstrom. James Van Winkle will serve as an honorary pallbearer. Sign the online guestbook at www.dispatch.com/obituaries