Robert Fashbaugh

As a kind and charismatic person, Robert “Bob” K. Fashbaugh naturally drew people into his life. One of his most incredible qualities was that he could accept them unconditionally, without a second thought. Above all else, he made people feel special. Within the chaos of life, Bob could always focus on what was most important to him – the people he loved.

Under the leadership of President Warren G. Harding, America entered into the 1920s with confidence. The politics of the time were as turbulent as ever, yet industry had made the U.S. economy surge. The decade would be forever remembered for its carefree and decadent flavor. Leslie and Marion (Webster) Fashbaugh were far removed from these things that characterized the 1920s. They lived a modest life in Battle Creek, Michigan, where Leslie worked as the timekeeper for Michigan Central Railroad while Marion was busy preparing for the arrival of their first child. Son, Robert Keith, was born on March 1, 1922, much to the delight of his parents. A mere thirteen months later, Robert was joined by baby sister, Olive.

Shortly after Olive’s arrival, the Fashbaugh family moved to Ypsilanti, Michigan, where Bob would live his entire life, except for the last six years. Like many young boys his age, Bob loved to spend his leisure time outdoors and around water. When possible, the family enjoyed vacationing in northern Michigan and on the Russian River in California, where they also visited family. His sister Olive was a smart little girl and started school a year early, which put her in the same grade as Bob throughout their academic years. While attending Ypsilanti High School, Bob went out for the football team, but because of his stature he broke his collarbone and decided to give up the sport and join the school golf team. Bob had the type of personality that everyone loved to be around. This afforded him many great friends or “cronies” in school. Bob was dubbed with many nicknames by his friends but the one that stuck the most was “Flash.” After graduating high school in 1940, Bob went to college in California for a while. He kept in close contact with his sister Olive through letters that often told of his great experiences out west. A wonderful thing happened to Bob when he returned home from college; he met his future wife, Jean Lee, through some friends. Shortly after they began dating, Bob, like many young men of this time, enlisted in the U.S. Air Force to serve his country during World War II. Though miles from home, Jean stayed on Bob’s mind all the time and during one of his leaves, they were married on December 22, 1942, in Big Springs, Texas. After his honorable discharge, Bob returned home to Ypsilanti and his beloved wife. They soon filled their hearts and home with the joy of two children: daughter Leslie and son Grant.

Bob soon started a career in sales at Mellencamp’s Mens Clothing but eventually went in business for himself, owning and operating Hayward’s Menswear in Ypsilanti for over 20 years. After retiring from his business, Bob continued to work in retail sales at Ideation, Inc. in Ann Arbor. Although Bob’s family and business kept him quite busy, he valued his community and always remained actively involved. He was a former President of the Ypsilanti Rotary Club and was an honorary recipient of the prestigious Paul Harris Fellow award. Bob was also an active member and former president of the Michigan Retailers Association on both the local and national level. Bob attended St. John the Baptist Catholic Church.

In the whirlwind of life’s busyness, Bob was devoted to his family and spent his life balancing hard work with being a loving father and husband. . After retiring, Bob looked forward to spending more time with his family, especially his grandchildren. Bob’s most cherished possession in his life was his family; however, his golf clubs were a close second. In his leisure time, Bob enjoyed golfing, fishing, listening to big band music and he was often heard humming or singing a tune around the house that wasn’t exactly the “cool” music his children listened to. Bob loved to grill and did it a lot throughout his life.

Bob was a gregarious man who approached life with a broad smile. He could run his business and strike up a good conversation with equivalent amounts of ease. Throughout his life, he brought smiles and happiness to all those around him with his unforgettable sense of humor. His funny stories and humorous moments will forever be remembered and bring about laughter and smiles to his family and friends.

Sadly, Bob lost his beloved wife Jean in 1996. His infectious smile and love for life soon led him to meet a special friend and companion, Dordie Matthews, in 1998. He truly loved and adored Dordie and even moved his life to Loudon, Tennessee, where they lived together at Tellico Village Community for the last six years.

Bob truly knew how to enjoy, cherish and celebrate every moment that life had to offer. In fact, his daughter amorously stated, “Dad would probably say that every day was the greatest day of his life.” He will be deeply missed.

Robert Keith Fashbaugh of Loudon, TN, formerly of Ypsilanti, MI, died in his sleep on Thursday, January 13, 2005 at his home in Loudon, Tennessee. He was preceded in death by his wife, Jean Lee Fashbaugh, and sister, Olive Dieterle. Bob’s family includes his companion of the past six years, Dordie Matthews; his children: Grant (Nancy) Fashbaugh of St. Pete Beach, FL; and Leslie Brown of Plymouth; five grandchildren: Jake and Emma Fashbaugh, Julie, Anne and Casey Brown; three great grandchildren: Tyler, Luke and Freedom; three nieces and nephews.

Friends may spend time with Bob’s family at the Nie Life Story Funeral Home, 2400 Carpenter Road, Ann Arbor, MI, on Saturday, January 22, from 1:30 p.m. until the time of the memorial service at 3:30 p.m. Please visit Bob’s personal memory page at www.lifestorynet.com where you may share a memory, order flowers or make a memorial contribution to the American Lung Association, 25900 Greenfield Rd., Suite 401, Oak Park, MI 48237.