Albert Ernest "Bob" Southard

Albert E. "Bob" Southard, a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and brother, passed away peacefully on November 24, 2023, at Ascension St. John Hospital in Detroit, Michigan. Born on March 24, 1940, in Detroit, Bob lived a fulfilling life filled with love, laughter, and the joy of family and friends.
Bob was a man of many talents and interests. He spent many years sailing the Great Lakes with various companies, a job that he thoroughly enjoyed. His love for carpentry led him to a career in commercial carpentry with the Carpenters Union. Bob was a man who loved working with his hands, always tinkering and fixing things around the house. Those around him always appreciated his thoughtful nature and handy skills.
Bob's love for sports was evident in his passion for hockey and football. He was a dedicated goalie with the Senior Men's Division of Port Huron and loved watching football games, especially those of the Lions and MSU. His love for the outdoors was unmatched. He enjoyed fishing on his deck with his grandchildren and going up north hunting with his friends.
Bob is survived by his loving wife of 65 years, Rosalie; his children, Evelyn Toles of East China, Robert (Michelle) Southard of Plant City, Florida, Tamara (James) Lake of East China, and Lynn (Brian) Furtah of East China. He was a proud grandfather to Tara (Adam) Wallace, Dana (Matt) Bongers, Correy (Cathryn) Southard, Carra (Jordan) Southard, Christina (Tony) Markel, Michael Lake, Cameron Furtah, Trenton Furtah, and Matt Metheny. He was also a great-grandfather to Sophia, Gemma, Maggie, Gretchen, Eden, Eve, Isaac, Abraham, Adam, Izzy, Gabrielle, Connor, Isaac, Abigail, Lillian, Kilah, Kinlie, Raelyn, and Payton.
Bob is also survived by his siblings, Gloria Kovac and Earl Alana; sisters-in-law, Juli Tate and Deborah (Gary) Hall; as well as many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his son-in-law, Gregg Toles; great-grandchildren, Cooper and Matthew Southard; and his father and mother-in-law, Bernard and Evelyn (Arnold) Stockwell.
Bob was a loving, thoughtful, and handy man who touched the lives of many. His love for his family was evident in everything he did. He was a man who lived life to the fullest and made the most of every moment. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
Visitation will be Friday, December 1, 2023, from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Grace Memorial-Bower Rose Funeral Home, 222 N. Main Street, Marine City, MI 48039. A funeral mass will be held on Saturday, December 2, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. at Our Lady on the River Parish-Holy Cross Church, 610 S. Water Street, Marine City MI 48039, with visitation beginning at 10:30 a.m. Interment will take place privately at Woodlawn Cemetery in Marine City.
Memorials are suggested to the Ronald McDonald House or the Port Huron Salvation Army.
For more information and to leave an online condolence, gracemem.com https://www.tributeslides.com/tributes/show/5GYMZX8XPD3HH9GZ