Robert Huber

 

Robert Alan “Bubba” Huber

When you meet a man called Bubba, you know he’s going to be hard to forget.  As was the case with Robert Alan “Bubba” Huber, 67, who died Thursday, September 21st at his home in West Chester. 

Bubba was a decorated police officer, loving husband, devoted stepfather, doting great-grandfather, loyal son, brother and committed friend.  His family, fellow officers, friends, and teammates on the softball diamond, always knew they could count on him. 

As a young man Bubba endeavored to be a police officer, and after attending Forest Park High School, started what would become a thirty-three plus year career in law enforcement.

His journey began as a member of the Forest Park Police Auxiliary from 1977 to 1981, then as an officer for the Village of Greenhills, from 1981 to 1986. He finally achieved his goal of becoming an official member of the Forest Park Police Department on October 5, 1986, serving alongside his brother Greg during a portion of his career.

In 1989, Bubba suffered a career threatening injury serving a high-risk search warrant, but through dedicated rehabilitation was able to return to work and became a canine handler in 1990.  Along with Princess, the department’s first drug dog, they worked with the Drug Abuse Reduction Task Force and the Hamilton County, Ohio Sheriff’s Highway Drug Interdiction Task Force.

In 1999, Bubba was appointed Detective where he distinguished himself through dedication to his duty, receiving The Chief’s Award in 2002. Over his career he fulfilled many other roles including “Officer in Charge” for various patrol teams, union representative, honor guard, field training officer and auto crash investigator, among others.

The City of Forest Park designated both October 5th, 2006, and October 5th, 2011, as Robert A Huber Days, in honor of his various accomplishments.

When he retired in 2014, after over thirty-three years dedicated to serving his community, he left behind an indelible legacy of professional policing.

Over the years Bubba enjoyed many vacations at the beach, weekly dinners with his siblings, staying close with those he served and spending time with his family, especially great-grandson, and little buddy, Osiris. 

Bubba was preceded in death by his parents Kenneth and Joanne Huber.

He is survived by wife Barbara, stepdaughters Clarissa Parton, Trina Roberts (Kevin), granddaughter Ashley Caldwell, and her son Osiris who will forever miss his “Bubba.”

The eldest of five children, he leaves his four tight-knit siblings and their family behind. They include his brother Greg Huber (Heidi), sister Kathy Reuter (John), sister Linda Ryan (Tom), and sister Maryann Huber. 

He also leaves nieces and nephews including Ashley Tyree (Aimee), Amanda Reuter, Eric Ryan (Christina), Quentin Huber, and great nieces and nephews Calvin and JoJo Tyree and Emma and Easton Ryan. 

A bench will be dedicated in his honor at Spoils Field in Greenhills, where so much time was spent playing and watching the game and people he loved.

Order a Mich Ultra Gold from the bar, a large chili and nuggets from Wendy’s or if you are daring enough, an order of potato chips and nacho cheese at The Back Porch and reminisce about Bubba.

Help a stranger in need, give your time, be there when those closest need you and honor Bubba, as he unselfishly showed compassion and dedication to his family, friends, and the public he served throughout his life.

Visitation will be held Thursday, September 28, 2023, at Hodapp Funeral Home 6410 Cincinnati-Dayton Rd. Liberty Twp., OH 45044 from 11 a.m. until the time of the funeral service at 1 p.m.

In lieu of flowers donate to your favorite charity in Bubba’s name.