Robert Lee Armstrong

Born July 15, 1939, in Xenia, Ohio, Bob was the eldest of five children of Herman and Olive Armstrong, who preceded him in death. He grew up working on a farm and helping his grandfather deliver milk each morning, later working at the local cement plant before pursuing higher education. He earned his B.S. in Chemistry from Heidelberg College, his M.S. in Agricultural Biochemistry from The Ohio State University—where he met the love of his life, Roberta “Bobbie” Mack—and his Ph.D. in Biochemistry at Michigan State University. He then completed two years of post-doctoral work at Princeton University before beginning his teaching career.

Bob taught at the University of Michigan for six years before following his calling to Albion College, where he established and built the Biochemistry program. A gifted and generous educator, Bob was known for his open office door, weekend study sessions, and for inviting students to dinner with his family. Many former students later credited their success in medical and graduate programs to the strong foundation he gave them. His love of teaching extended beyond Albion College classrooms—he briefly taught high school chemistry, demonstrated chemistry to elementary and middle school students, and taught through the Albion Adult Lifelong Learning program.

Service to others was central to Bob’s life. He was a longtime donor to the American Red Cross, giving more than 25 gallons of blood, and served on its board. His board service also included the Calhoun County Commission on Aging, the Albion Hospital Board, the Michigan State University Alumni Science Board, the Albion Forks Senior Center, and the University of Michigan Institutional Review Board. Locally, he was active with the Albion Area Ambulance Service, directed several Habitat for Humanity builds, and was a dedicated committee member and youth leader at Albion First United Methodist Church. His service always blended hands-on work with thoughtful leadership.

Bob was a man of integrity, generosity, and tireless energy. He was a master at recycling and reusing discarded items, a problem-solver, a builder, and a gardener. He loved travel and adventure, never meeting a stranger, and always making a friend. Together with Bobbie, he explored the world by cruise ship and beyond, visiting Germany just after the fall of the Berlin Wall, traveling through Russia, Egypt, and South America, and visiting over 70 countries, sharing countless trips with his family. Aruba became a favorite destination and an annual retreat for family and friends.

Above all, Bob was devoted to his family. He faithfully attended the events, concerts, and games of his children and grandchildren, always present, always supportive. Family gatherings at the lake cottage he lovingly maintained became treasured traditions, filled with laughter, stories, boat rides, and deep connection.

Bob is survived by his wife of 62 years, Roberta “Bobbie” Armstrong; his children Douglas (Joan) Armstrong and Robin (Stephen) Armstrong-Arntz; grandchildren Jackson Armstrong, Zachary, Emily, and Megan Arntz; and siblings Thomas (Ruth), Edward (Betty), Kathleen Rudy (Jerry), and Kenneth (Alexandra).

He will be remembered as a doer, teacher, servant, encourager, and friend. His life of service, scholarship, and love leaves a legacy that endures in the lives of his students, community, and family.

Memorial services will be held at the Chelsea Retirement Community Dancey House, 805 W. Middle St. Chelsea, MI, 48118, on October 6th, 2025, at 10 AM, and on October 11th, 2025 at the First United Methodist Church, 600 E. Michigan Ave. Albion, MI, 49224, visitation at 11 AM and Celebration of Life at noon with lunch to follow.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Dr. Robert Armstrong Biochemistry Endowment at Albion College at https://advancement.albion.edu/register/give?fund=5d745ef0-0bda-a203-fb68-583d923f04c6