Robert J. "Bob" Small

1929 - 2024

Robert Joseph "Bob" Small went to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, Thursday, Oct. 3, 2024, just two days before his 95th birthday.

Bob joins his parents, Glenn and Estelle (Denny) Small, three brothers, three sisters, his daughter "Boopies", son-in-law Mark and countless friends in his Heavenly home.

Bob was born on Oct. 5, 1929, in Napoleon, Ohio. He met the love of his life, Donna Jean Gray while in high school and the two were married 78 years ago, on Aug. 20, 1946. Together they raised 14 children and he leaves behind an incredible, enduring legacy.

Most of Bob's career was spent at the "Napoleon Products Co.," working his way up from sweeping floors to president of the company. In 1978, he left to share ownership of "The Party Shop" for a time before starting "Small's Cheese" food distribution company.

Following the sale of his business to "The Napoleon Creamery," he continued working with them until his retirement demonstrating a dedicated work ethic that spanned six decades.

Bob's faith was extremely important to him and he passed along this faith to each of his children. In spite of the tragic loss of his daughter, Elizabeth (Boopies), in 1954, his faith was unshakeable. It was truly his foundation, and he lived his life as a reflection of that deep faith.

Through every joy and every trial, right up until the end, his trust in God never wavered. His faith guided him, and it will continue to guide those he left as they move forward without him.

A lifelong and dedicated member of St. Augustine Catholic Church in Napoleon, he was one of the first eucharistic ministers at the church.

After his Savior, his greatest love was being surrounded by his family.

He truly cherished every opportunity to get together and would always drop "you don't have to leave so soon" when it was time to go our separate ways. His love for each of his children was evident in everything he did, and that love continues to strengthen the Small family bonds.

In addition to his faith, wife and children, Bob loved sports, especially football (ND Fighting Irish football) and golf. His love for the game of football drove him to start the program at St. Augustine Catholic School in 1954, raising $200 in donations from local businesses to purchase the uniforms and equipment to start the program.

Bob would continue to coach the program for 30 years, sharing his love for the game, direction and discipline with hundreds of young student-athletes through that period. His influence extended far beyond the field ... he wasn't just a coach, but a mentor, teaching lessons of discipline, respect and integrity that helped shape the lives of those he guided.

In his later years, Bob could be found carefully guiding boards through his scroll saw creating "Images on Wood," or "Woodies" as they were affectionately referred to, making thousands over the past 25 years for businesses, veteran organizations, homeowners and classic car enthusiasts.

In addition to his loving wife, Donna, he leaves behind eight sons and five daughters, Jean Small, Bill (Kathy), Cathy (John) Austermiller, Mary (Gary) Poore, Tim (Robin), Terry (Rita), Glenn (Jayna), Pat (Steve) Spengler, Doug (Kim), Andy (Carol), Rick (Ann), Carol (Jeff) Lanzer and Steve (Penny). He also leaves 34 grandchildren and 49 great-grandchildren (plus three on the way).

He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, John, Bill and Jim; sisters, Geraldine Yeager, Betty Foster and Jane Yarnell; daughter Elizabeth (7/4/1954); son-in-law Mark (Pat) Hines (9/16/2004); and grandson-in-law Kurt (Amy Austermiller-Byrne) Schlade (8/16/2003).

Visitation will be Monday, Oct. 7 from 3-7 p.m., with a rosary service at 6:30 p.m. at Rodenberger Funeral Home, Napoleon. A funeral Mass will be held Tuesday, Oct. 8 at 11:30 a.m. at St. Augustine Catholic Church, Napoleon.

The family kindly requests that memorial contributions be directed toward St. Augustine Catholic School.

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.rodenbergergray.com.