Robert L. Himes

Robert Leroy Himes, 91, of Summerville, passed away at his home surrounded by members of his devoted family on Friday, June 13, 2014. He was born August 4, 1922, the second son of Ethel Sayers Himes and Milo Ernest Himes. He attended Clarion County Schools, but went to work at age 14 in the coal mines with his father to help his family during the Great Depression. He was a decorated WW2 veteran, served with the Army in the European and North Africa Theater. Mr. Himes was a farmer and truck driver. He said he had to drive truck in order to afford to be a farmer. He married Cynthia Jane McCauley on April 10, 1947. He was known for his hard work ethics, quick wit and strong opinions. He was a devoted husband, father and grandfather as well as a favorite uncle to his many nieces and nephews. He didn’t tell his family how to live, he showed them. He was a hero to his thirty-one great grandchildren and lived to enjoy three great great grandchildren. Mr. Himes served on the Clarion Limestone School Board for twelve years and as a Limestone Township Supervisor for another twelve years. He believed everyone should experience the mechanism of local government to learn how democracy works. Mr. Himes was an avid supporter of education and tears of pride and joy flowed when his children and grandchildren achieved their educational goals. He followed world affairs and was insightful and perceptive beyond all expectations. He was one of a kind and he will be greatly missed. Mr. Himes was affiliated with Kingsville Methodist Church. He is survived by three daughters and three sons, Cheryl Bazzoui (Dr. Widad) of Bradford, Sue Monrean (John) of Brookville, and Linda Rhoades (Woody) of Elkridge, MD, Mike Himes (Sandi), Kevin Himes (Pam) all of Greenville, TX, and Doug Himes (Dorothy) of Summerville; a sister, Doris Bish of Niagara Falls, NY; and a sister-in–law, Phyllis Himes, of New Bethlehem. Also surviving are fifteen grandchildren, Shiela Fox Cleveland of Treasure Lake, Brad Monrean (Stephanie) of Brookville, Sam Fox (Gina) of St. Marys, Ben Monrean (Erin) of Corsica, Heidi Himes of Wolfe City, TX, Steve Fox (Suzie) of Jamestown, NY, Joe Himes (Tammi) of Campbell, TX, Craig Himes (Tammy) of Greenville, TX, Bob Monrean of Brookville, Jennifer Rhoades Fleischer of Columbia, MD, Melissa Himes Fox (Dr. James) of Tyler, TX, James Himes (Chelsea) with the US Coast Guard, Norfolk, VA, Kevin Jay Himes (Regina) of Fryburg, Sara Jane Townsend (Robert) with US Air Force in Germany, and Hannah Himes of Greenville, TX; and six step-grandchildren, Reem Bazzoui of Basel, Switzerland, Ban Bazzoui of York, Andy Renner (Elizabeth) with the US Coast Guard, Maine, Sara M. Garrity Anderson (Dave) of Erie, Mike Garrity of Fort Worth, TX, and Dr. Emily Eye of Salt Lake City, Utah. He was preceded in death by his wife, Cynthia, of 63 years on June 14, 2010; a son, Robert R. Himes, age 15, July 1970; two brothers, James Himes (the late Jackie) and E.E. “Smokey” Himes; and a brother-in-law, Clarence Bish. Arrangements are under the direction of the Robert V. Burns Funeral Home, 638 Wood Street, Clarion. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, August 2, 2014. A luncheon will follow. Please join family and friends at the farm afterwards to celebrate the life and legacy of Roy Himes. Memorials and donations can be may be made to a charity of the donor’s choice. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, August 2, 2014. A luncheon will follow. Please join family and friends at the farm afterwards to celebrate the life and legacy of Roy Himes.

Robert L. Himes

August 4, 1922 - June 13, 2014