Robert L. Metcalf, 66, of Coldwater, passed away Tuesday, May 15, 2018 at his home.
The funeral service will be held Friday, May 18, 2018 at 12 Noon at Lockwood Community Church with Pastor Shayne Looper officiating. Military Honors will be presented by the Coldwater Amercian Legion, Post #52, Drill Team. Visitation will be held Friday, prior to the service, beginning at 10:00 AM at the church. Arrangements are being cared for by Dutcher Funeral Home in Coldwater.
Robert was born September 22, 1951 in Hillsdale, MI to Everett & Mary (Clevenger) Metcalf, Sr. Some say he was found under a cabbage leaf, but alas that was not true. After years of rigorous study in the public schools of Hillsdale County, Robert decided to join the US Army, where he served 22 honorable years as a Military Police Officer. The Army allowed him to travel to Europe, Asia and most of the United States.
During Robert’s time in the Army, he met his first wife Diana who bore him two strapping boys, Robert and Shawn. Robert taught them how cows that lived on hills had shorter legs on one side than the other, not true. He also provided other nuggets of knowledge that were on par with Ben Franklin, but too salty to print.
Robert remarried in 2004 to another Diana, where his family grew larger by five more boys – Todd, Jeff, Jason, Derick and Bobby. That’s right folks, seven boys - just imagine that grocery bill.
Following Robert’s retirement from the Army, he became a farmer, truck driver and grumpy old man. He spent his free time puttering, watching Michigan football, and struggling with the internet. Robert also studied the art of dachshund wrangling, but the dogs were just too stubborn to listen, so he transitioned into a dachshund owner.
As the boys started families of their own, Robert took the formal title of Grandpa and was looked up to by 11 grandchildren. Uncle Bob also had numerous nieces and nephews. Hey, the Metcalf’s were busy a lot.
Robert was preceded in death by his parents, older brothers Everett and Clarence, and step-son Bobby. He is survived by his sister Mary and younger brother Steven, wife Diana, children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews and a few ornery dogs and cats who think they are dogs.
I don’t know where fathers go when they die. But I have an idea that after a good rest, he won’t be happy unless there is work to do. He won’t just sit on a cloud with his Molly under his arm and wait for those he’s loved to get there. He’ll be busy there, too…oiling the gates, smoothing the way.
Interment will take place at a later date at Great Lakes National Cemetery in Holly, MI.
Memorials may be directed to the Army Emergency Fund or CHC Cancer Center. www.dutcherfh.com