Robert Sr

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Robert L. "Bob" McKinzie, 58, passed away Wednesday night, March 5, 2014 at 11:52 when he tragically yet heroically lost his life in a fire that took over his Coesse (Columbia City), Indiana. The fire also claimed the life of his son-in-law, Rick Niemann.
Bob was born June 19, 1955 in Seymour, Indiana to Ervin and Marjorie (Bush) McKinzie. He attended Huntington North High School, Huntington, Indiana. Bob served his country while in the United States Army.
On September 1, 1973 he and Cherie Shively were married in Huntington. They had lived in Coesse for 7 years coming from Warsaw, Indiana. Bob worked in the shipping department at Dalton Foundries where he had been employed for 34 years.
He was a member of the United Steel Workers Local 6805 and was a board member of the Dalton Club. He bowled league on Sunday nights at Gilliam Bowling Lanes in Warsaw. Bob was a responsible man who was happy go-lucky and carefree. He was an avid fisherman. A big football fan, he also loved watching old westerns - especially of John Wayne. He was a Mr. Fix-It who always had a project going. An optimist, Bob always woke up smiling and went to bed smiling. He was a great dad who loved and cared for his whole family, and although competitive by nature, he had fun playing kickball in the yard with them. Bob was a proud man who enjoyed going to the sporting events and school activities of his grandchildren. Bob was very well liked and will be greatly missed by many.
Broken hearted, those who will miss him most and who will cherish precious memories are his wife of 40 years: Cherie McKinzie, Coesse; 2 sons and a daughter-in-law: Robert L. and Rita McKinzie, Jr., Columbia City and Troy McKinzie of Mentone, Indiana; 2 daughters and a son-in-law: Trina L. and David Burkett of Tippecanoe, Indiana and Heather Niemann of Columbia City; 14 grandchildren; 3 sisters and 2 brothers-in-law: Melinda and Charles Ferguson of Huntington; Janet and Rich Doersher of North Webster, Indiana; and Rosey Lee Lee of Bippus, Indiana.
Bob was preceded in death by his parents and a son-in-law, Rick Niemann.
A memorial visitation will take place Monday, March 10, 2014 from 5-7 PM in Titus Funeral Home, Warsaw.
The family has asked that gifts in Bob's memory be directed to Barbee Lakes Conservation Club, 3890 N. 700E, Warsaw, Indiana 46582.
The staff of Titus Funeral Home considers it a privilege and an honor to care for the family and friends of Robert L. McKinzie.