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Robert VanHoose Obituary
VANHOOSE, ROBERT W.
Ocala - Robert W. VanHoose went home to be with the Lord on April 12th, 2015, in Ocala, Florida.
Bob and Lorna moved to Ocala in 1976 to pursue his passion for breeding, showing, and promoting Arabian horses. He organized and served as president of the Ocala Arabian Breeder's Society, and developed Pinnacle Park Horse Farm Complex.
Bob served several years as chairman of the Arabian Racing Committee for the Florida Department of Agriculture. In 1987, Bob and Lorna established the Robert and Lorna VanHoose Endowed Scholarship Fund which has given aid to over 100 CCF students. Bob 'served the Lord with gladness' in every capacity at St. John Lutheran Church in Ocala for many years.
Bob is survived by his devoted wife of 62 years, Lorna, and children Amy V. Smith (Dan), Leesburg, Virginia, Robert W. VanHoose, Jr (Sandy), Ashland, Kentucky, Bill VanHoose, Tampa, FL, Ruth Hudson (David), Bloomington Indiana, Allison Braun, Lakeland Florida, and Rebecca Puig (Rafael), Oviedo, Florida. He is also survived by 11 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.
Bob was the 11th of 12 children born in Ashland, Kentucky, to Edward and Emma VanHoose. He attended school in Ashland and graduated high school in Orlando, Florida, in 1946 and graduated from Rollins College in 1950.
Bob and Lorna were married in 1952 while Bob was serving in the USAF for three years during the Korean War. The couple and daughter Amy moved back to Ashland in 1953, where Bob went to work in his brother's used furniture store. He started Big Sandy Furniture in 1954.
He and Lorna started a Christian day school in Ashland where they were active members of St. Paul Lutheran Church. Bob was a past president of the Ashland Kiwanis Club, and active in the Ashland Downtown Merchant's Association before moving to Ocala.
Bob wrote and published five Homily Grits (one- year daily devotional books) and several small group Bible studies. Homily Grits ministries has also served Biblical insights to thousands of people on the homilygrits.com website, You Tube, and daily email subscribers in over 25 countries.
The family will be accepting visitors Tuesday, April 14th from 5:00-7:00 PM at Forest Lawn Funeral Home at 5740 South Pine Avenue, Ocala. A celebration of Bob's life will be held Wednesday, April 15th at 4:00 PM at St. John Lutheran Church, 1915 SE Lake Weir Avenue, Ocala. A reception will be held immediately following the service. The family requests that no flowers be sent, but would welcome memorial contributions to the St. John Scholarship Fund. View and sign the online guestbook at:
www.forestlawnocala.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Robert VanHoose
Sean Sullivan
April 6, 2020
Bob, You were a father and grandfather figure to me all the years I knew you. I loved you very much I enjoyed every Wednesday at our men's group. You were a Leader, a Teach, a dear friend and most of all a true man of the Lord. Bob you taught me a few valuable lessons I will pass on to others as I promised you. Bob I know you are enjoying watching us up in Heaven eating a Grit a day... Love always, Sean Sullivan
"Dr carol"
April 16, 2015
Heaven is greatly enriched this season Robert.... the most genuine broadcaster of live Christianity through his life itself.
April 15, 2015
There is no better hero of the faith than Bob VanHoose. His impact on Christian ministries in all places that he lived and worked is being felt and will be felt for eternity. He and his family have exemplified the true meaning of "being salt and light" to the world. God bless those who remain here on Earth to serve and may Bob be long remembered and his example followed. In Love, The Howard Heath family and North Marion Ministries.
Gary Linn
April 15, 2015
Bob is a true Christian. He was a big supporter of Interfaith Emergency Services.
April 15, 2015
Bob was a true Christian. You could see his fruits.I was the executive director at Interfaith Emergency Services when Bob Brought the group from Ireland for a concert at First Baptist to benefit IES.
Tim & Marilyn Strobert
April 15, 2015
Deepest sympathies to the Vanhoose family. Have many good memories of his work and dedication to the Lord when we knew Bob and family in the 1980's through St. Johns Luthern Church.
Kathy Dunn
April 14, 2015
Bob was a true inspiration to all who knew him. He was a special friend and I will miss him greatly. May his family take comfort in knowing that he is in heaven and still watching over them.
Robyn & Tom McKeldin
April 14, 2015
I loved and respected Uncle Bob immensely, he will be sorely missed. His great stories, general good nature, and complete dedication to family was inspiring. He was the true patriarch for the Van Hoose clan.
Dennis Strow
April 14, 2015
Bob was a an awesome man of God and will be missed by many!
Mickey Graves
April 14, 2015
Bob was a true gentleman and man of God. He was a great encourager to me. He will be missed. Well done faithful servant!
Chuck Albiol
April 14, 2015
I think of Bob as a human dynamo, an out of the box thinker and a master marketer. First in the horse business and later in life, as strong promoter and servant of God. He was an inspiration to most that knew him and his "can do" spirit and I feel blessed to have been his friend for almost 40 years. R.I.P. my dear friend.
Fred & Shelley Goins
April 14, 2015
Celebrating a life well lived. May God bless you & your family as our thoughts & prayers are with you.
April 14, 2015
I never had the honor of meeting Mr. VanHoose, but I know of his passion and dedication to Arabian racing and the Arabian horse. His legacy will not be forgotten. My deepest sympathies to the family.
Kind regards,
Stephanie J. Corum
April 13, 2015
Arabian Racing owes so much to Bob VanHouse! He will be greatly missed!
Sincere sympathy,
Dianne Waldron
Mary and Scott Zellak
April 13, 2015
May the dear Lord be with the whole family during their time of loss. Bob was a devoted man to serving and sharing the word of our Savior. May he give you all peace and comfort in knowing Bob is in his heavenly home. God bless and keep you all.
Scott and Mary Zellak
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