Robert “Bob” A. Huntley, 74, of Coldwater passed away on November 18, 2014 at the Community Health Center of Branch County.
The funeral service will be Tuesday, November 25, 2014 at 11:00 AM at Dutcher Funeral Home in Coldwater with Pastor Dave Anderson officiating. Interment will follow at Oak Grove Cemetery in Coldwater. Visitation will be Monday, November 24, 2014 from 2:00-4:00 and 6:00–8:00 PM at Dutcher Funeral Home. The Coldwater Order of Eastern Star # 1 services will be at 7:00 PM Monday immediately followed by the Coldwater Tyre Masonic Lodge # 18 service.
Robert was born May 24, 1940 to Charles and W. Jewel (Keadle) Huntley in Quincy. Growing up, Bob played trombone and was the drum major from 1955 until 1958 at Coldwater High School. After graduation he enlisted in the US Air Force, serving from November 5, 1958 until October 12, 1962. He worked at Federal Mogul in Coldwater from 1967-1971, the Coldwater State Home from 1971-1972 and then for the Department of Defense Federal Center, Battle Creek as a Computer Programmer/ Analyst for 26 years, retiring in 1997. After retirement he served as the Coordinator for the Downtown Business Association from 1999-2007, helping to organize Applefest, Strawberryfest and the Christmas Parade. Bob married Donna (Dean) Crandall on August 9, 1997 in Union City.
Bob enjoyed giving back to the Coldwater community. He coached many of his children’s sports teams and helped organize cross country meets and Coldwater American Amateur Baseball Congress Federation events. He helped establish the Coldwater on the Run program in 1995, which puts on the annual Coldwater mini-triathlon and offers scholarships to local area high school seniors. Bob was an avid Michigan State fan and enjoyed working large puzzles.
Bob had helped with a Tibbits Opera House production and was also active in their fund raising efforts. He helped found the Coldwater Barber Shop Quartet and founded the local area Tuba Christmas events. He was a member of the Yankee Air Force Museum in Ypsilanti, Coldwater Sail Club, Coldwater Model Train Club- Lionel O Gauge and was instrumental in founding the Friends of Lewis Art Gallery.
He had served as a board member with the Coldwater Parks and Recreation Department and he also as a Coldwater City Council Member, 2nd Ward for 16 years.
Bob was a life member and Past Master of the Coldwater Tyre Masonic Lodge # 18, member and Current & Past Worthy Patron of the Coldwater Order of Eastern Star # 1. Bob was a member of the York and Scottish Rite Masonry, The Royal Arch Masons, Colon Chapter # 81, The Branch County Shriners Club and The Mizpah Shriners, Ft. Wayne, IN.
Robert is survived by his wife Donna of Coldwater; children, Tammy Huntley of Santa Anna, California, Terry Huntley of Lafayette, Indiana ; his first wife, Beverly (Stan) Nettleman of Coldwater, step-children; Tina (Larry) Bailey of Union City, Sheila (Gorton) Riethmiller of Colon, Paige (Jeff) Schulte of Temperance; brothers, Charles R. Huntley of Westland, David W. Huntley of Coldwater , Glenn E. Huntley of Leelanau; step-grandchildren, Catherine Bailey of Prestonsburg, Kentucky, LaShea Bailey of Union City, twins Alex and Anthony Schulte of Temperance, Grayson Riethmiller of Colon and Lindsey Riethmiller of Colon. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews. Bob was preceded in death by his parents.
Memorials may be directed to Coldwater on the Run or Friends of Lewis Art Gallery.
www.dutcherfh.com