C. R. Bob Wilbarger

C.R. “Bob” Wilbarger, age 76 of Massillon, died on Tuesday, November 17, 2009 at Affinity Medical Center. He was born on September 7, 1933 in Gnadenhutten, Ohio and was the son of the late Charles G. and Pearl (Adamson) Wilbarger. He was a Massillon resident since 1958. After graduation from high school in 1951, Bob enlisted in the U.S. Army, where he served with the Military Police at West Point Military Academy. He then began a career in house painting which ultimately led him to Massillon. It was in Massillon, that Bob met and befriended J. Ray Lynch, co-owner of the Arnold-Lynch Funeral Home. He began to work at the funeral home in various capacities and assisted hundreds of families through difficult times. In 1963, he met the former Patricia Price as she delivered flowers to the funeral home from her flower shop, Flowers by Pat. They married in 1965 and recently celebrated 44 years of marriage together. Bob enjoyed his family, golfing, boat racing and participating in many Massillon Lions Club projects and events. He held numerous offices and served as President in 2002-03. His pet project was the Lion’s Lincoln Theater and in 2008, Bob and Pat made the generous gesture of retiring the theater’s mortgage. Bob was also known for assisting many other people in their times of need. Bob was also a member of the Clinton Lodge #47, F. & A.M. Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by his three brothers. In addition to his wife, Pat and his pet poodles, Monee’ and Tiffanee’, he is survived by his sister Ruth McKee of Gnadenhutten, Ohio, many nieces, nephews and sisters and brothers-in-law. Also surviving is Matthew Meeks, who was a grandson to Bob. Funeral services will be conducted on Saturday at 11:00 A.M. at the Arnold-Lynch Funeral Home with Rev. Edd Matako officiating. Burial will follow in Rose Hill Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends on Friday from 6:00-9:00 P.M. and on Saturday one hour before the service. The Massillon Lions Club will hold a service on Friday at 5:30 P.M. at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to the Lion’s Lincoln Theater, P.O. Box 215, Massillon, OH 44648. Arnold-Lynch – A Golden Rule Funeral Home 330-833-4839