Cummings, Robert John – 1942-2023

ARMSTRONG, CUMMINGS, GILMER, STEINER, WEAVER

Posted By: Diana Wagner
Date: 7/16/2023 at 09:15:16

Robert John Cummings, known as Bob, passed from this world on May 30, 2023. He was born on July 26, 1942 in Pennsylvania, son of Edwin and Elva Cummings (Steiner). Bob grew up on his family’s farm in Pennsylvania. He then lived for a span of time in Missouri and Iowa where he married Shirley Jean Armstrong and started his family. After his parents died from injuries sustained in a car accident, Bob moved his family to the farm in Pennsylvania. Bob and Shirley’s children were Michael, Mark and Sarah. During his time in Missouri, Bob became a licensed barber; a skill he used for many years. He also served as an evangelist in the Church of Christ. Shirley died of Cystic Fibrosis in 1980.
Bob valued hard work and spent his time raising cows, goats, chickens and other animals. He also logged trees on his 80 plus acres of land. He served as an elder at Bolivar Church of Christ. In 1989, Bob married his second wife Nancy Weaver and their family grew to include her children, John, Anna and Joseph. Later, Katrina was born from that union. Nancy died of ALS in 1997. In December of 1998 Bob married Sharon Gilmer, his third wife, with whom he lived the rest of his life here.
Bob suffered a life changing stroke in 2012. He and Sharon sold the farm to one of Dad’s closest friends in 2013 and then moved to Iowa. Bob loved working on puzzles and embroidering quilts to give as gifts; many have been blessed by his beautiful handiwork. Needlework was something he could still do to keep busy after the stroke had limited his speech. But he’s talking now…we’re sure of it; and we praise God for that!
Bob is preceded in death by his parents and siblings – Marvin (Genevieve), Glenn (Jean), Wilma (Johnny), Don and 2 babies. He is also preceded in death by his first wife, Shirley; his 18-year-old son, Mark; his second wife, Nancy; and his daughter-in-law, Joy. He is survived by his third wife of almost 25 years, Sharon; his younger brother Duane (Pat); his children - Michael, Sarah (Matthew), Katrina (Tyler); grandchildren – Morgan, Drew (Miriam), Casady, Ethan and Robin; cousins, and many nieces and nephews.
Bob’s number one priority in all his life has been serving his Lord. He loved, he laughed, he lived; and because of Jesus he lives still!
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, June 3, 2023, at the Vandalia Church of Christ. Visitation will be on Friday, June 2, 2023, from 6:00 - 8:00 pm also at the church. Burial will take place at Vandalia Cemetery. Memorials may be directed to the Vandalia Church of Christ and condolences may be left for the family at www.coburnfuneralhomes.com.
Source: Newton (IA) Daily News; Friday, June 2, 2023