Robert E. "Bob" Plants

Robert (Bob) Eugene Plants, 81, of Mercer, Pennsylvania, passed away on May 15, 2025, surrounded by loved ones. Born on August 11, 1943 in Mercer, PA, Bob was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend to many who will miss him dearly.

Bob was the son of Andrew Seman & Lillian Carter Plants and grew up in Sandy Lake, PA. He is a proud graduate of Lakeview High School and Penn State University. He served in the Pennsylvania Army Reserves, but much of his life was dedicated to working for IBM Corp. After retirement he continued to work for various IBM business partners. In 1979, he and his wife Donna started a chapter of the AWANA Clubs International, a Christian club for boys and girls in Hollidaysburg, PA, that is still active today. Over 500 kids in 12 years came to Christ because of this ministry. He also served as a member of the Western PA AWANA ministry teams for over 40 years, serving in various capacities including camp director, the Summit national competition, golf outing coordinator, Grand Prix, and headed leadership training for new AWANA clubs.

Most recently, he was an active member of the Oak Grove Church in Mercer, PA. Bob was respected for his kindness, work ethic and ability to lead. His warm smile, generous spirit and sense of humor left a lasting impact on everyone he met. An avid outdoorsman, Bob found joy in deer hunting and fishing the local lake. He loved Penn State football and had season tickets for over 40 years.

Bob is survived by his loving wife Donna of 59 years, daughter Gina Wages (Jerry), son Craig (Melissa), grandchildren Josiah, Micah, Kayla, Seth, Daniel and Lucas, and great-grandchildren Zoey and William; and his brother Louis (Sue) of Monument, CO. 

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Rose and Black Funeral Home & Crematory, Inc. Visitation will be held on Sunday, May 18, 2025 from 4:00 - 6:00 pm. and Monday, May 19 from 11:00 - 12:00 pm at the Oak Grove Church, 10 Oak Grove Road Mercer, PA 16137. The funeral service will be held on May 19, 2025 following visitation at 12:00pm. Burial will follow at Oak Hill Cemetery, Sandy Lake, PA. 

Bob's memory will live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him. He will be deeply missed but forever remembered for his kindness and love. His favorite passage of scripture was Psalm 23. These were the first verses he ever learned. He loved the Lord deeply and his life was a testimony to the Lord's love and faithfulness.