Robert L. Birchfield

Robert Lee Birchfield, 88 of Millersport, Ohio passed away Wednesday morning with his wife and three daughters by his side. Bob was known to be a fighter and he beat cancer for 23 years. He will be forever loved and remembered for his quick humor, his signature phrases, his love for his family and his endless quest for good stuff at a great deal.

He was handy and thrifty, and loved to be of service to his friends and family. He would absolutely show up with an excavator or a bobcat to do the job. No need for a contractor, he could handle it. Your hot water and cold water knobs were most likely reversed, but you’d get used to it. He loved hunting, fishing and gathering at the lake with family or hanging out at the farm with the guys.

Born to Cecil & Marie Birchfield, Bob was the 3rd of 10 children. In his early career, he was an Operating Engineer for Holloway Construction and took great pride in his involvement in building 70 from Ohio to Pennsylvania. After construction wrapped up, he started his business, Bob’s Wholesale Carpet, a Lancaster staple since 1979.

Bob was survived by his wife of 67 years, Frances Birchfield, his 3 daughters, Della Woodgeard, Toni (Ted) Paul and Sandy Birchfield; his siblings Carol (Jack) Burchett, Jim Birchfield, and best buddy/brother Dick Birchfield; his 8 grandchildren and their spouses, 20 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great grandchild; and many nieces and nephews.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents, 3 brothers and 3 sisters, his best hunting buddy/brother-in-law, Wayne Bott, and close friend/nephew Steve Birchfield.

He enjoyed working and stayed busy long into retirement. No one loved a flea market or thrift store more, and he had the collection to show for it. He was fiercely loyal and would show up for anyone who needed him. You knew he would be there no question, but you also knew you were definitely about to get cussed in the most memorable way possible, creating a tapestry of profanity that still hangs in the air over Buckeye Lake to this day. That said, it’s also become one of your favorite stories.

Calling hours will be held at the Frank E. Smith Funeral Home, 405 N Columbus Street in Lancaster on Sunday February 22 from 1-3 pm. Family and friends will gather for a Celebration of Bob’s long full life on Monday, February 23 at Frank E. Smith’s at 12 noon, with folks meeting for his graveside service at 2:15 PM, at Madison Twp Cemetery aka Madison Mills Cemetery located at 9336 Madison Rd NE, Washington Court House, OH 43160.  A gathering for food and fellowship will follow the graveside at the Madison Mills Township Hall. This will be a time to share all the great stories of Bob and his antics. He provided us with lots of material. Come join us, don’t just stand there with your teeth in your mouth.

Online condolences can be made at www.funeralhome.com