Robert E. "Bob" Puckett

Lewis & Gillum Funeral Homes
202 Maple Ave., Oak Hill, Ohio 45656
(p) 740-682-6696 (f) 740-682-7862
(e) (w)
Robert E. "Bob" Puckett, age 82, of Oak Hill, Ohio joined the love of his life, Doris, on Friday, January 31st, 2025, at his son's residence where he had been residing while ill. Bob was born December 15th, 1942, in Scioto County, Ohio to the late Frank and Alice (Clifford) Puckett.
Bob was a graduate of Oak Hill High School and a proud retiree from Norfolk Southern Railway. He was a devoted and loyal husband and a great father.
Bob is survived by his son and daughter-in-law, Robert S. and Julie A. Puckett of Oak Hill, Ohio; two brothers, Roger Puckett of Oak Hill, Ohio and Jeff Puckett of Dayton, Ohio; several nieces and nephews; and grandpups, Malla and Zoey.
Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by his loving wife, Doris (Adkins) Puckett, and several siblings.
Calling hours will be held on Sunday, February 2nd, 2025, from 5:30PM-7:30PM at the Lewis & Gillum Funeral Home of Oak Hill. Funeral services will be held on Monday, February 3rd, 2025, at 11AM at the funeral home with Pastor John Kelly officiating. Burial will follow at Horeb Cemetery. Online condolences may be sent to .
"REMEMBERING UNCLE BOB"
(In Loving Memory of Robert E. Puckett)
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Life is full of many precious gifts – including the love of a very special Uncle. Today we gather to celebrate the life of an Uncle like no other – Robert Edward Puckett, or as we knew him, our "Uncle Bob."
We have many warm memories of Bob, most of them intertwined with other family members – especially our beloved Aunt Doris, who went to join Heaven's angels just about one year ago. It is rare to think of, or mention, one of them without the other. We have never known a husband and wife more tightly cloven to each other, or more perfect for one another – or more generous in giving of themselves to others.
Bob was a family man through and through, in every way possible. Doris was his high school sweetheart, the apple of his eye, and they married young. With her by his side, he spent his entire adult life working hard, providing for and raising his pride and joy, their son, Robbie. Bob lived his days to the fullest and was a giver in so many ways – for he had a heart as big as all outdoors, and no shortage of good will to spread around.
He was a homebody, who loved enhancing, maintaining and cultivating his own home and property of many years; and he was interested in houses of all types, specifically, their architecture. He was creative, artistic, clever and expertly skilled, and there didn't seem to be anything he couldn't fix, refurbish or make. He took much pride in his long career in the railroad industry; had an entrepreneurial spirit and a great imagination. He loved trains, kids, dogs, and fresh, growing things; and was a sensitive, spiritual person.
Bob was a smart man who liked to contemplate, meditate and discuss things; he was an interesting individual, a deep thinker, a great listener, and seemed to enjoy life and other people immensely. He was thoughtful, understanding and compassionate; funny, good-humored and tolerant; stunningly wise beyond his years, and a rock-solid, common-sense mentor; helpful, steadfast and resolute – and always, a devoted son, brother, husband, father, uncle and friend; and a loving caregiver. He was gentle-hearted, but with the inner strength of a lion for those dear to him. He was always ready with advice or guidance, and very protective of those he loved.
Bob was a kind-hearted, principled man with a sense of fairness, decency, high morals and deep character; and a pillar of strength for everyone around him. Along with Doris, within his extended family, he was often at the very center of what was going on, in both good times and rough times – no matter what. He was genuinely fun to be around; and always so dependable – a real blessing in the family.
Pam shared that if she had to pick out just one, single thing about Bob that stood out most for her, it would be this: "The way he accepted, embraced and cherished each and every one of us as his very own – and from an adoring niece's perspective, he was not only a delightful Uncle – he was like a Second-Father figure as well."
She added that her favorite single memory of him might be wrapped up in the night of "The Great Hay Ride," an adventure of 50 years ago but it seems like yesterday. In her own words, it went something like this:
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"It was a warm, summer night; and one by one, the driver of the hay-covered tractor-trailer stopped at different houses along Hickory Grove Ridge to pick up riders – and quite a mix it was! Kinfolk, neighbors, parents, youngsters of all ages; one Grandma and a guitar or two – you name it. All were welcome to jump aboard and join in for a totally impromptu, crazily fun "Hay Ride," put together lightning-quick by Bob himself, who readied the rig, while Doris spread the word.
"The sounds of chatter, laughter, music and singing; the tractor engine, the grinding gravel; all combined to make the most blissful noise in the world – or so thought at least one 14-year-old girl, who even at that tender age, realized it was a magical night she would never forget. (One highlight was that big surprise early-on when the trailer got imbalanced and began to fish-tail, but only for a few seconds, and no one fell off – although Doris, who was riding on the tailgate edge, was clearly NOT amused! And then later when we drove to town, shouting and waving uproariously, an Oak Hill police officer cheerfully greeted us, but said that we needed reflector lights on the back – another surprise!)
"An infinitely simple, incredibly beautiful pursuit -- just all enjoying the night together, and in a profound way, bonding as one while, with his back to us, shepherding the lively pack, there sat Bob, the leader in the tractor's seat – our MAN AT THE WHEEL. With him in charge, we all knew we were safe."
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So today we thank you, Bob, for all the memories and the many blessings of having you – you were, and will always be, a true jewel in our lives And although we are saddened by this temporary parting from you, we can all take comfort and joy in the knowledge that you are now rejoined forever with the shining love of your life -- our sweet Aunt Doris. May God hold you tenderly in the palm of His hand, and someday we'll all be together again, with our unbroken Family Circle and perhaps we'll have another "Hay Ride."
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