Kenneth William Robb

Kenneth William Robb lived the American Dream in this world and was prepared by God's saving grace for the next.

Ken was born May 2,1952 to William G. Robb and Betty Lou (Stoffer) Robb Beight in Salem, Ohio. By God's grace, Ken was born again in October 1999 at a couple's retreat hosted by Jesus Is the Key Ministry, founded by Walter (Bing) Newton.

On Friday of the retreat, his golf game was interrupted by a hailstorm. While he and his team sought cover, their wives walked the trail around the course unaffected. That experience eliminated all thoughts of further golf for the weekend, however, He had bigger plans. On Sunday morning, Ken accepted Jesus as his Lord and Savior then received the sacrament of communion from Pastor Joe Proprio. Ken followed Jesus for his remaining days on earth.

Ken married his high school sweetheart, Carol Ann (Percy) Robb on December 22, 1972. Ken and Carol were blessed with four daughters: Marcie Jo Robb, who passed on her day of birth; Monica Lynn (Charles) Blasdel; Sarah Elizabeth Robb; and Amanda Louise (Jared Channell) Robb. Ken was affectionately known as “Opa” by his six cherished grandchildren: Kathryn Ann, Presley Elizabeth, William Isaac, Raegan Louise, Nora Ruth, and David Robb.

Ken was graduated from Crestview High School in 1970 and Youngstown State University in 1976 with a B.S. in Business Administration. He later attended classes toward a Master's Degree in Business Administration. In the professional world, Ken was known for his bold, entrepreneurial spirit and grounded, honest business instincts.

His roots in the petroleum industry began at the early age of 16, working at Turkey Run Truck Stop, then at Route 14 Truck Stop in Columbiana, operated by John Kelton. Ken accepted a second job as night custodian for Crestview High School while his third job was working weekends for Marsico Engineering on the surveying crew. Earl Corey, manager of Quaker State Branch in Columbiana, recognized Ken's work ethic and good character. He hired Ken as a dispatcher but promptly promoted him to the sales force. Ken worked six years for Quaker State, leaving their employment on good terms when hired by Lyden Oil Company as a sales representative. Robinson Petroleum recruited him as branch manager for its Windham, Ohio location, a position Ken held until 1981.

Quaker State approached Ken to become a wholesaler for their light-end products, and C&K (Carol & Ken) Petroleum Products, Inc. was born with an initial investment of $750. By 1991, C&K was the 20th largest wholesaler in the State of Ohio. Simultaneously, C&K Oil Corporation was formed, which operated four retail gas stations with three convenience stores. The retail operation was expanded by acquiring four additional locations known as Big John's Oil Corp in 1989. Southwest Fuels was incorporated to serve home heating, agriculture, and commercial customers. The businesses created by Ken employed 85 local employees.

By 2010, all of his businesses were sold, but Ken was not ready to retire.

Over the years, Ken developed a passion for farming, including maintaining his healthy herd of shorthorn beef cattle, perfecting his hay operation, and taking great pride in his row crop farming. He was called to be a good steward of the land and farmed successfully with his last harvest taken in 2022. Ken enjoyed the farms with his loyal canine companion, Willy. One of his greatest personal accomplishments was restoring the soil on a farm previously stripped for coal. Ken was very active in the Columbiana County Farm Bureau, serving as trustee for many years and receiving the Distinguished Service Award in 2019.

Ken enjoyed the great outdoors. He enjoyed camping, fishing, hunting, canning various produce (especially his sauerkraut as well as his famous tomato juice), and hosting the annual “Deer Camp” at his farm shop. The many hunting trips to Colorado, time spent at the Pennsylvania hunting camp, and fishing on the Great Lakes and in Canada with friends and family were cherished by Ken.

An avid student of history, his main interests were Civil War and WWII, traveling to many of the historical sites, including a tour of Normandy on the 65th Anniversary of D-Day.

Ken enjoyed spending time with friends and family during annual beach trips to Topsail Island, North Carolina. He especially loved searching for sharks’ teeth and dining at Riverview Café in Sneads Ferry. The clam strip dinner was his favorite meal. He ambitiously took his family on several summer camping trips, touring the National Parks and other points of interest in the Northwest, Southwest, New England and Southern states. His daughters have fond memories of hiking the Grand Canyon together. His grandchildren were able to experience the Great Smoky Mountains with Opa as well as the Hawaiian Islands and Everglades National Park, where they loved taking airboat rides and learning about the natural habitat. He and his wife, Carol, traveled the world together, by land and by sea.

Ken was adventuresome. He was a certified deep-sea diver, which he enjoyed for many years with his high school friend, Richard "Tug" Enterline. He also enjoyed riding his Harley Davidson with his buddies and golfing with business associates. Ken restored several antique tractors, took great delight in watching and participating in tractor pulls, and proudly displayed his tractors at the Columbiana County Fair and Canfield Fair for years. He was a man of many hobbies and unique interests.

Ken was a member of the New Waterford United Methodist Church and in the past several years regularly attended the Greenford Christian Church with Carol, his daughters, and grandchildren.

Ken was a generous and active supporter of the Crestview Local School District, Columbiana County Fair, Columbiana County 4-H, as well as The Village of New Waterford. He also served the Columbiana County Republican Central Committee for many years and never hesitated to lend a hand to Carol or Monica when it was time to attend campaign events, go door-to-door, or drive a tractor in a holiday parade. Ken always supported his family and helped to fulfil their passions and goals. He loved sports and particularly enjoyed tailgating at Cleveland Browns games and watching Ohio State football.

Ken was humble and kind. Ken was courageous. Ken had a quiet demeanor and an adventuresome spirit. He enjoyed fellowship with a close group of Christian friends, calling themselves "Disciples". Ken was loved.

In addition to his immediate family, Ken leaves his dear sister, Barbara Lynn (Robb) Mercer, sister-in-law Kimberly Sue (Percy) Cope and her husband David Cope, brother-in-law Eric Scott Percy, eight nieces and nephews, twelve great nieces and nephews, his emotionally adopted sons, Samuel (Brynn) Yarian and Timothy Yarian, as well as Tim's children, Grace (grandchild Montana), Adam, and Faith, and his Brazilian exchange-student-turned-lifelong-friend, Pitia Ledur and her husband, Juliano, and daughter, Aurora.

Ken entered his eternal life on February 18, 2026. Family members that are infinitely celebrating with Ken today are his parents, brothers-in-law Douglas Brent Percy and Melvin L. Mercer, his father-in-law and mother-in-law Daniel J. Percy and Betty Louise (Dickey) Percy, dear friends Bruce Yarian, Jeff McCurdy, Ken Crane, Dallas Carlisle, together with his brother in Christ who accepted Jesus at that same couple's retreat, Ray Colledge.

The hands that built family businesses and operated family farms are now touching the face of Jesus. What joy Ken is celebrating today and for eternity.

The Robb family deeply appreciates all who helped care for Ken in his final days. His nurse, Lacey, and the caregivers from Akeso, Jason, Tammy, Falon, and special friends, Lisa, Denise, and Rosanna were instrumental in his comfort care.

Memorial services will be held at 3:00 P.M. Saturday, February 28, 2026 at the Warrick-Kummer-Rettig Funeral Home, Columbiana with Pastor Tim Ginter officiating. Interment will be in East Carmel Cemetery. Friends may call at the funeral home from 1-3 P.M. prior to the services on Saturday. Memorial contributions may be made to the Ohio State University Extension, Columbiana County, 7989 Dickey Drive, Suite 5, Lisbon, OH 44432 for 4-H Programs. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Warrick-Kummer-Rettig Funeral Home, Columbiana. Sign the register and send condolences at www.familycareservices.com