Robert J.B. Ledbetter

Robert JB Ledbetter, aged 82, of Houghton Lake, passed away on November 20, 2025, surrounded by his loved ones.

Robert was born on May 14, 1943, in Rickman, Tennessee, to Albert and Nora Ledbetter. His parents moved to the metro Detroit area shortly after World War II ended. Robert, as well as his sisters and brother, joined them a few months later. He was known as Jay throughout his boyhood, although the mystery behind his "middle name" (JB) has been lost to history. To most others, he was known as Bob.

In 1964, he was drafted into the Army and served in the Vietnam War. He returned safely to the United States in 1966, determined to leave the war and its memories behind him. He began what became a long and successful career as a tool and die maker.

On August 30, 1969, Bob married Susan Lee Bennetts in Roseville, Michigan. They went on to have five children: Wendy (William) Smith, Robert (Marcia) Ledbetter, John Ledbetter, Christina Ledbetter, and Brian (Melissa) Ledbetter. In 1976, they moved from St. Clair Shores, MI, to Brown City, a small town in Michigan's thumb. Their 40-acre farm was almost a playground for him after a long work week. He indulged in all the things he loved: spending time with his family, raising animals, fishing, gardening, and especially hunting. He was an excellent marksman and stalker. His favorite place would always be in a deer blind, surrounded by trees, listening for the telltale sound of small branches snapping under the hooves of deer wandering into the clearing.

Bob and Sue moved from Brown City to Houghton Lake with their youngest child, Brian, in 1996. He continued to work as a tool and die maker until he retired. Upon retirement, he began working with his wife, Sue, at her quilt shop. His skills at tool and die making transferred easily to sewing machine repair, and he was a customer favorite. But what gave him the most joy during this period was spending time with his grandsons, Chaysin and Spencer Ledbetter. He easily befriended most children and enjoyed teasing them. He often warned them to "be careful by the lake. You don't want to get eaten by the Houghton Lake Mud Monster." He was very good at helping little ones get into mischief. Thankfully, for their sakes, he was just as good at helping them get out of it.

In 2021, he was diagnosed with cancer, which was attributed to his exposure to Agent Orange during his time in Vietnam. Though he accepted his diagnosis, he did not surrender to it. He sought all available treatment and surpassed the wildest expectations of his doctors. When they advised him that his cancer had progressed beyond treatment and recommended hospice care, he said, "Let's do that later. I've got things to do." He did as much as he could, for as long as he could, until his body wouldn't let him. The cancer robbed him of his ability to walk in early November 2025, and even then, he accepted it with as much dignity and grace as possible.

He wasn't afraid of anything, even dying. "I should have been dead a long time ago," he said. "But I've lived a good long life, and I have nothing to complain about." And he never did complain, despite the fact that life punched him in the teeth more than once. Throughout his life, despite all the challenges, he was an accommodating, loving soul, with a wonderful sense of humor and a dogged determination to take life as it comes.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 55 years, Sue; his infant son John; his parents; and his sisters Ruby and Betty. He is survived by four of his children, thirteen grandchildren, and ten great-grandchildren.

Bob was a private, humble person, and specifically expressed that he did not want any formal, public services after his passing. In light of that, the family asks that you take some time to reflect on what he meant to you and honor him in your own personal way. That may be as simple as taking a walk in the woods, fishing on the lake, working in your garden, or smiling at a small child. He loved an outdoor barbecue, so perhaps invite some friends over this summer to reminisce. Also, please consider making a donation in his memory to Disabled American Veterans at ihelpveterans.org. VA benefits enabled Bob to be at home with loved ones until his spirit departed his body. No doubt he is enjoying a walk in the woods now. The family is forever grateful for the support.

Christler Funeral Home, Prudenville Chapel, is serving the family. Condolences can be sent to the family online at www.christler-holdship.com