Robert W. "Bob" Haviland Sr.

Robert W. "Bob" Haviland Sr., age 90, of Hillsdale, passed away at home Sunday, May 25, 2025. He was born January 13, 1935, in Sand Creek, Michigan, to Arthur and Grace (Wells) Haviland. Bob married Joann Cheney on April 19, 1958, and she preceded him in death February 14, 1998. He later married Carol (DeFouw) Murphy on June 20, 1999, and she preceded him in death November 8, 2020.
Bob graduated from Hillsdale High School in 1954. He served in the United States Army from 1956-1958, after which he began farming 160 acres in Camden. From 1965-1997, he worked at Reading Feed and Grain and then for Litchfield Grain Co. for an additional ten years. For over 50 years, Bob served faithfully as an usher and greeter, and on numerous committees at Hillsdale Free Methodist Church. For many years he also played on their softball and bowling teams. Bob was a dedicated member of Gideons International. He enjoyed being on his tractors, mowing lawns and clearing snow. Bob had a servant's heart. He was generous with his time and resources. He loved meeting people, turning acquaintances into friends, and even becoming an "adopted" Dad or Grandpa to many.
Left to cherish his memory are two children, Robert (Sara) Haviland Jr. of Hillsdale, and Melody (Eric) Verde of Fremont, Indiana; three children by marriage, Benjamin (Kathy) Murphy of Frankfurt, Illinois, Rebecca (Chris) Wyse of Jackson, and Maureen (Charles) Krueger of Big Rapids; twenty grandchildren; and fifteen great-grandchildren.
Bob was preceded in death by a daughter, Laura Jo Haviland; and two sisters, Mary Ellen (Dallas) Bailey, and Margaret Alice (James) Muir.
Visitation for Robert "Bob" Haviland Sr. will be Thursday, May 29, 2025, 5:00-8:00 PM at VanHorn-Eagle Funeral Home in Hillsdale. Funeral services, officiated by Pastors Dave Turner and Keith Porter, will be Friday, May 30, 2025, at 11:00 AM at the Hillsdale Free Methodist Church, followed by a meal and then a graveside service at 2:30 PM at Morgan Cemetery in Cambria Township. All are welcome.
Memorial contributions are suggested to the Hillsdale Free Methodist Church, Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, or Gideons International.