Robert Gerald "Bob" Winstone

Robert Gerald "Bob" Winstone of Battle Creek, MI, went to be with the Lord while at Heartland Health Care on Thursday, January 17, 2019 at 4:30 p.m., two days before his 77th birthday.

Bob was born January 19, 1942 in East Jordan, Michigan, the son of Rueben Warren and Vera Mae (Jameson) Winstone. He was raised in East Jordan and was a 1960 graduate of Mason County Central. Bob honorably served his country in the U.S. Navy, 1960-1965. After returning home, he worked as a Merchant Marine on the C&O railroad-car ferry, the SS Spartan, from Ludington, MI to Milwaukee, WI. Bob met Linda Marie Bilbia while visiting Battle Creek. He married her on August 31, 1969 in Battle Creek where they made their home. He was employed by the City of Battle Creek for 22 years as a heavy equipment operator, retiring in 1999.

Bob loved to be outdoors and was able to share this love with his boys through volunteering with their scout troops. He enjoyed sharing camping, fishing, and especially hunting, with his family. His favorite hunting excursions included rabbit hunting with his dogs and deer hunting in the UP. He even hand-made arrows for everyone. He enjoyed sports and spent many long days coaching and watching his kids and grandkids play football, baseball, basketball, and wrestle. He also bowled in leagues at M-66 Bowl and Nottke's Bowl. He spent many years of his life as a loving caregiver to his wife, Linda, until her death. Bob will be remembered as a man who was devoted to his family and cared a great deal for those around him. He will be remembered as a tough, but amazing coach and teacher.

Sadly, Bob was preceded in death by his wife Linda on December 9, 2016. Surviving are his daughter, Anita (Gregory Schaeffer) Winstone of Battle Creek; three sons, Jerry (Dawn) Winstone and Timothy (Lynette) Winstone both of Battle Creek, and Brian (Corinne) Winstone of East Leroy; 13 grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren, and several cousins, nieces, nephews and their families. In addition to his wife, Linda, Bob was also preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, Alan Williams and Ronald Winstone.

Friends will be received 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. Thursday, January 24, 2019 at Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Home & Cremation Care. Memorial services will be officiated by Pastor John Kuzma at the funeral home 10:30 a.m. Friday, January 25, 2019. Naval military honors and interment will follow at Ft. Custer National Cemetery.

Memorial contributions in memory of Bob may be made to Michigan Chapter of the Multiple Sclerosis Society, 29777 Telegraph Road (Onyx Office Building), Suite 1651, Southfield, MI 48034 or Wounded Warriors Project, Project, PO Box 758517, Topeka, Kansas 66675-8517. Personal messages for the family may be placed here at www.farleyestesdowdle.com.