Robert John Bymers

Bymers, Robert John

September 4, 1933 - December 2, 2022

Robert John Bymers was born in Onalaska, WI on September 4, 1933 to John and Leila Bymers, and went home to be with the Lord on December 2, 2022 at the age of 89. He grew up in LaCrosse, WI, where he graduated from Central High School. He then went on to Northwestern College in Minneapolis, graduating in 1956. He married his one true love, Deloris (Dody) Anker, on June 11, 1954. Bob was preceded in death by two sisters, Ruth Vanderlin and Beatrice Van Loon.

He is survived by his dear wife, Dody Bymers, and their five children - Cheryl Lanzen (Gary) of Henderson, NV; Debra Pierce (J. Daniel) of South Bend, IN; Nancy Tucker (Daniel) of Bennington, NE; Steven Bymers (Kimberlee) of Fremont, NE; and Julie Bartholomew (Jarrod) of Pontiac, IL; thirteen grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren, as well as his sister, Mary Van Loon of Mason City, IA.

Bob accepted Jesus as his Savior while he was just 5-years old, and served the Lord his entire life. He was the Choir Director, Christian Education Director, and worked with the youth at three different churches in Minnesota and Indiana, and later became the Senior Pastor at First Baptist Church in Francesville, IN. He went on to be the Camp Director at Crystal Lake Baptist Youth Camp and Beechwood Baptist Youth Camp in Indiana, then took the position of Dean of Men at Faith Baptist Bible College in An-keny, Iowa. While at FBBC, he was also the JV basketball coach and became a second dad to many of the players on his team.

He retired in 1999 from Baptist Mid-Missions, where he was the Deputation Secretary; helping missionaries raise financial support to go to the mission field. He also traveled across the country, preaching at large missionary conferences. In his retirement years Bob got involved in a wonderful charitable organization in Omaha, NE called Chariots4Hope, where he was a board member, mentor, and teacher. He also led the staff in weekly Bible studies; "Word with Bob.. He used a portable pulpit, and joked, "Have pulpit, will travel!" He was honored when asked to become the interim pastor at Calvary Baptist Church in Fremont, NE, where he served for 16 months.

He loved preaching the Word of God, and took every opportunity to share about Jesus with those he came in contact with. He also loved music, singing, and leading a choir. Bob made friends everywhere he went and was known for his generous love, big hugs, and sense of humor. He loved sports, and often talked about how he missed playing basketball. He was an avid fan of Hoosier basketball and the Green Bay Packers, and rarely missed a game. He had a great love for the mountains of Colorado where he and Dody spent a lot of time every year.

His family is thankful for the life he led, and we are confident we will see him again because we have all trusted Jesus as our Savior. He was a godly man whose passion was serving the Lord. He was a great example to his family and friends of what it looks like to love fiercely and serve the Lord with gladness.

A MEMORIAL SERVICE and luncheon will be held on Saturday, December 17th, 11am, at Our Savior's Baptist Church, 20230 Hopper St, Elkhorn, NE 68022. The live-stream of the service can be found by searching "Memorial Service for Pastor Robert Bymers" on www.youtube.com.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial gifts be given to Chariots4Hope, P.O. Box 390593, Omaha, NE 68139 and/or Baptist Mid-Missions, 7749 Webster Rd, Middleburg Heights, OH 44130. Please leave online condolences at nebraskacremation.com.

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