Robert Alan Yeck

Bob passed away peacefully surrounded by his loved ones on Dec. 19, 2018. Born in 1949, he was the oldest son of William and Dorothy Yeck. In 1973, he married the love of his life, Cheryl, who survives. He was a beloved father to two children, Brian and Kristen, a daughter-in-law Kelly, a son-in-law Josh Lee, and five grandchildren, William Yeck, Ryan Yeck, Matthew Lee, Reagan Lee, and Brianna Lee. He is also survived by a brother, David, his wife Nan, and cousins Joanne and Zan. He graduated from Centerville High School(67) and later from Hillsdale College(72). Bob was an employee of Yeck Brothers Company for 43 years, serving 20 of those as president, carrying on and expanding the family business that began in 1938. Bob was a man of fierce intelligence, and was dedicated to bettering the world in any way that he could. In keeping with the family's commitment to civic duty, community service and philanthropy,one of his proudest accomplishments was being awarded Volunteer of the Year while working with United Way. Bob was instrumental in creating the Great Seal in the Armstrong Center at Miami(Ohio) University, History on the Hill exhibit at Carillon Park, major updates at Cricket Hollow Boy Scout Camp, updating the children’s sections of the Centerville Libraries, and the new Children’s Garden at Woodbourne Library. He was also the first member of The Friends of the Library Foundation. Bob was responsible for many updates to the Washington Centerville Park District at Bill Yeck Park and also donated the land for Little Woods Park-the 50th in the district. He was involved in the creation of the Owlexander Hoot Route Trails, a project especially close to his heart as he viewed them as something he could pass on to his grandchildren and countless other children. Bob was involved in the American Advertising Federation–Dayton for over 40 years. He was a past President and also the Treasurer for many of those years. In 2003 Bob was awarded the AAF Silver Medal Award for years of creative excellence, dedication and outstanding contributions. In 2004, Bob was awarded Hillsdale’s first Tower Award for Outstanding Alumni and dedication to the college and the community. He was also a member of numerous foundations, organizations, clubs, and charitable groups. Among them are The Centerville-Washington Foundation, where he was a member as well as a past president; Centerville History,where he funded the first ever Centerville Chatauqua; The Centerville Education Foundation, where you could find him working the Americana Festival stand for 20 years. Bob was instrumental in the creation of the William and Dorothy Yeck Grief Counseling Art Center at Hospice of Dayton where he also served as a member of the Hospice Foundation Board. Bob loved sports and the outdoors. He played and coached softball for over 40 years with some great friends. He could also be seen on the tennis, basketball, hand ball, or racquet ball court. Bob achieved the rank of Eagle Scout in 1963. Sharing that prestigious honor with his father, uncle, and brother. Funds were donated to build a new dam and spillway to restore a 25 acre lake that had been dry for 2 years. This lake in Preble County provides water sport activities to nearly 4,000 scouts and was renamed “Four Eagles Lake." Later improvements included making the common areas of the camp handicap accessible. Bob combined a quick wit with a slightly twisted sense of humor, as those who knew him could well attest. He was never happier than when one of his pranks was successful. Even though he was incredibly creative and slightly devilish, he never sought to demean anybody. Integrity was ingrained in Bob. He not only looked for and found the best in people, but was also the first to volunteer a helping hand. He was dedicated and honored by each individual relationship/friendship that he made over the years. He was honest, thoughtful and respected by all. Visitation will be from 12 noon until 3 pm on Friday December 28, 2018 at the Tobias Funeral Home Far Hills Chapel, 5471 Far Hills Ave at Rahn Rd. Internment will be private in David’s Cemetery. The family would like to thank Sasha, Kathy, Angie H, and Jessica along with the rest of the Hospice of Dayton staff for their loving care during his final months. They made a difficult time easier for Bob and his family to bear. In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to Project READ, CW Libraries, CW Foundation, Centerville History or Hospice of Dayton.