Sgt. Robert W. PeLong passed away on February 13, 2021 while in Florida. He was born November 12, 1947 in Kalamazoo, MI, the son of the late John Boulton PeLong and Sadie M. (Himebaugh) PeLong. He grew up in Charlotte, Michigan and graduated from Charlotte High School.
Bob began his career as a deputy sheriff with the Ingham County, Michigan Sheriff's Department, Meridian Township Division. It was during this time at work he met his wife, Patricia Cummings. They married in September 1971. After Meridian Township formed its own police department, Bob continued working at Meridian until his retirement in 2000. He loved working with the public and doing his "community policing" within the Township. Over the years, he met and maintained many long-lasting friendships with fellow officers and community members. He looked forward to going to the coffee shop (Sip 'N Snack) every morning to meet with his friends to find out what was happening. He also enjoyed his yearly fishing trips to Canada with his friends from the Sip ‘N Snack.
While growing up, Bob and his father planted and harvested several gardens in the Charlotte area. After he married and was raising his family, he decided to start a pumpkin business with his boys. Together they planted, harvested and sold pumpkins, together with Indian corn, corn stalks, and gourds from the front yard of the house. Bob became known as the “Pumpkin Man” to all of the locals. He continued the pumpkin business until his health prevented him from continuing to do so.
After retirement, he enjoyed spending his time with Pat at the family home on Six Mile Lake in Northern Michigan, where he and Pat fished almost every day and enjoyed boating on the lake. He especially loved it when the kids, grandkids, and friends came to visit. In 2020, due to his declining health, he and Pat moved to the Canadian Lakes area to be near family.
Bob is survived by his wife, Patricia, and sons Mark (Jessica) PeLong and John (Becky) PeLong. He is also survived by grandchildren, Brock, Logan and Lilly PeLong, and Caleb, Gavin and Jaxson PeLong, and Madison and Rory Frush.
Due to COVID, private services will be held. A memorial service will be held in early summer for family and friends. Those desiring may make contributions to the National Kidney Foundation, 30 E. 33rd Street, New York, NY 10016, or to another deserving charity of your choice.
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