Robert A. Hinkle

Robert (Bob) A. Hinkle, 74, of Sanford, passed away at home surrounded by his loving family Saturday, Sept. 6, 2014. He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Sandra (Kelsey) Hinkle; his children, Kim and Rich Owen of Sanford, Jackie and Bryan Adair of Midland, Kathy and Curt Hoyt of Sanford, and Kristy and Lome Hoaglund of Tustin; grandchildren, Tyler and Kyle Owen, Kaylee, Cody and Casey Adair, Jake, Jarid and Keersten Hoyt, and Brandon and Conner Hoaglund; brother, James Hinkle; sisters Barb Mitchell, and Sister Alicia Bruce; plus many of his extended Kelsey in-law family that loved him like their own.

Bob was born Robert A. Priest Aug. 15, 1940. He was adopted by his parents Jack and Nora Hinkle. He graduated from Midland High School. Bob worked for The Dow Chemical Co. for 25 years, with most of that time was spent in the Latex plant where he worked as a foreman under Mike Dahley. He had many fond memories of his time and friends at Dow.

Bob was enlisted and honorably served in the Marines in El Toro, Calif. for four years. In his younger years, he drove stock car at Tri City Speedway. His hobbies included hunting for agates at the mouth of the Two Hearted River on Lake Superior, fishing from dawn to dusk, and closely following the sport of NASCAR (Go Earnhardt!). Bob had a love for the out-of-doors and when he retired he spent most of his time traveling, fishing, hunting and camping with his wife. He had a special place in his heart for the Two Hearted River Campgrounds, Rose Lake Campgrounds, and San Benito, Texas Campground, and all of his friends and memories he made at these places. Bob and Sandy's retirement life together was what many dream retirement to be.

A Grandfather (GPA) to 10 grandkids that he loved with all of his heart, he was never without a fishing or hunting buddy. Life was full of laughter, hugs and kisses. GPA was always available to each grandkid for advice or just a good day on the lake or in the woods.

A Husband, Dad, Grandpa, Leader, and Friend to many, he will be missed beyond what words can express. God built him to stand strong in the midst of a storm and we all saw it and admired it.

Funeral services for Bob will take place 11 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 10, 2014, from the Ware-Smith-Woolever Funeral Home, 1200 West Wheeler Street. Pastor Kevin Tippin of the Meridian Church of God will officiate, with burial in Jerome Township Cemetery. Bob's Family will receive friends at the funeral home Tuesday, from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m., and Wednesday, from 10 a.m. until time of service. Full military honors will be presented by the Midland Area Veterans.

Those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to take a child or disabled person fishing in Bob's memory. Contributions can also be made in Bob's memory to Midland's Chippewa Nature Center at the following web address: https:llchippewanaturecenter.doubleknot.comIFormltakeSurvey.asp