Robert Richard Gehman Sr.

1931 - 2021

Robert Richard Gehman, Sr., born November 23, 1931, passed away on Monday, April 26, 2021, peacefully at home with his wife of 68 years, Adeline, by his side. He was the son of the late W. Norman and S. Viola (Longacre) Gehman of Center Valley. He is survived by brother, Henry. He was predeceased by daughter, Susan Longacre and siblings Pauline Yoder, Grace Bertsch, David, and N. James.

Robert met his wife, Adeline Wismer Rush at the ripe age of 15 when she was 13. Once she took a ride with him on a motor scooter, she was hooked! They married on April 19, 1953 and had many adventures and exploits over their 68 year marriage. They have five children Barry (Sharon) Gehman, Susan (Horace) Longacre, Nancy (Randy) Heacock, Peggy (Jon) Ebersole and Robert Jr. (Stephanie) Gehman. He loved and enjoyed his 14 grandchildren; Wendell, Jennifer, Brent, Gregory, Nathan, Brandon, Vanessa, Monica, Amanda, Jessica, Ryan, Lindsay, Scott and Paige and his 12 great grandchildren.

Robert was a caring, generous man who loved God, his family and others. Bob knew from a very young age that he wanted to be a farmer. He often said, "I never worked a day in my life because I loved doing what I did." He bought Marwell Dairy Farm in 1959 and worked hard for over 55 years growing it into the business it is today with his sons, Barry and Bob, and grandson, Wendell. He was a lover of all things John Deere!

Bob was community minded. He served on the corporate boards for Lehigh Valley Cooperative Farmers, Atlantic Dairy Coop and Land O'Lakes. He was a member of the Lower Milford Township Planning Commission for many years. He volunteered in various positions at Swamp Mennonite Church where he attended his entire life.

Another highlight for Bob was mentoring young farmers both local and from abroad. He assisted a number of young men in the area in getting their start in farming of various types. He and Addie hosted nine young men through a Mennonite Central Committee program that brought trainees from other countries to have a yearlong experience in the States.

Robert had a wonderful sense of humor, right up to the end. Just a few weeks ago, his granddaughter asked him how his night was and he replied "Dark!" He was very friendly and outgoing, talking with whomever he met. He had friends all over the country from his work with the various dairy boards. He and Addie enjoyed traveling in the United States and abroad to visit the trainees and friends made over the years.

A funeral service to celebrate his life is planned for Saturday, May 1, 2021 at 11:15 AM at Swamp Mennonite Church, 2125 Rosedale Road, Quakertown, PA 18951. Viewing hours at the church will be Friday, April 30 from 6:30-8:30 PM and Saturday before the service from 10:00-11:00 AM. Wearing masks for all of the events would be appreciated.

Memorial contributions can be made in Robert's memory to Spruce Lake Retreat, Canadensis , PA www.sprucelake.org.

To view Robert's online obituary please visit www.nauglefcs.com.