Robert Wayne Hudspeth's Obituary
Robert (Bob) W. Hudspeth, Age 87, went to be with the Lord from Brooklyn Living Center, Brooklyn, MI, after a hard-fought cancer battle. Bob was born on 4/24/1939 in Mt Morris, MI to C. Woodrow (Woody) and Nellie (Gould) Hudspeth. He was raised in Willis, MI by his mother and Step-Father, Drexel Hudspeth. As a teen, he worked at the local Minick’s Market, Willis, Mi, as a soda jerk, later as a butcher. He graduated from Lincoln Consolidated in 1957, where he met, and later married in 1961, his wife, Lorraine (Ewanciw) Hudspeth. Living in Belleville, they raised two children: Robert (Robb) J. Hudspeth [Linda] of Brooklyn and Chere’ Pepper [J.D.] of Leslie. Bob, or Pop-Bob as the Grands called him, enjoyed keeping track of his 7 Grandchildren: Jesse Pepper (Anna), Joey Pepper, Ethan Pepper (Melissa), Daniel Pepper (Courtney), Allyson Hudspeth-Gerben (Nathan), Douglas Hudspeth (Vanessa), and Sarah Hudspeth. He often bragged on his 9 Great- Grandchildren, (with 1 more Great-Grandchild on the way). He is survived by his half-sister, Mary Lynn Mattner [Robert].
Bob was a devoted involved Dad, always supporting his kids’ hobbies, like horses, motorcycles, derby cars, boy scouts, and girl scouts. He often drove his young teenage children to their country band gigs and helped roadie equipment all over the state. He was always a proud Band-Dad, supporter and promoter. He was a active member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Whittaker, MI, where he served at fish fry’s, chicken broils, and at mass… instilling in his kids a love for service and Jesus.
In 2003, Bob retired from Skilled Trades at Ford Motor Co, Ypsilanti, MI after over 40 years, as a hydraulic Journeyman. He was truly ‘Built Ford Tough’. Affectionately known by his co-workers as the ‘Godfather’ or ‘Motor-mouth’, he loved to host chili dinners, league bowl, and play on the local 849 UAW golf league (with his son). His wood work and metal fabrication blessed his family and friends, often solving problems with his ‘Bob-Co’ projects. Growing up, the grandkids all had handmade wagons, doll houses, and rocking horses. He loved donuts, carrot cake, and ice cream. Pop-Bob kept 25 glass jars of candy in his kitchen so the Grandkids could ‘shop’.
Bob enjoyed travel with Lorraine and their friends, traveling to Punta Cana/ Dominican Republic, Mexico, and especially, 17 times to Jamaica. He traveled into his 80’s. He would zipline, parasail, ATV, and lay on the beach until he was golden brown. In his later years, he relaxed at his third-generation family cabin in Houghton Lake, visiting frequently during the summer months… often reminiscing about deer hunting camps.
In 2023, Bob moved into Brooklyn Living Center, Brooklyn, where he got the nickname ‘Butter Bob’ for bringing his own blue bottle of squeeze butter to every meal. He loved the new friends he made and really appreciated the caring staff. His love for his TV shows, like Judge Judy, was legendary.
Bob is preceded in death by his parents, step-father, his wife [Lorraine], half-sister [Barbara Sue Roombos], and 1 great-grandson [Jesse Pepper Jr].
Funeral arrangement: Eineder Funeral Home, Brooklyn, MI. Cremation has occurred. Celebration of Life and meal at Heart o the Lakes Church, Brooklyn, MI at August 8. Visitation at 3pm and Service at 4pm, meal to follow.
Memorial contributions are suggested to Blest Ministries. Please leave a message of comfort for Bob’s family or sign his guestbook at https://www.EinederFuneralHomes.com.
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