Robert W. VanHoose

Bob and Lorna moved to Ocala in 1976 to pursue his passion for breeding,

showing, and promoting Arabian horses. He organized and served as president of the Ocala Arabian Breeder's Society, and developed Pinnacle Park Horse Farm Complex.

Bob served several years as chairman of the Arabian Racing Committee for the Florida Department of Agriculture. In 1987, Bob and Lorna established the Robert and Lorna VanHoose Endowed Scholarship Fund which has given aid to over 100 CCF students. Bob "served the Lord with gladness" in every capacity at St. John Lutheran Church in Ocala for many years.

Bob is survived by his devoted wife of 62 years, Lorna, and children Amy V. Smith (Dan), Leesburg, Virginia, Robert W. VanHoose, Jr (Sandy), Ashland, Kentucky, Bill VanHoose, Tampa, FL, Ruth Hudson (David), Bloomington Indiana, Allison Braun, Lakeland Florida, and Rebecca Puig (Rafael), Oviedo, Florida. He is also survived by 11 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren.

Bob was the 11th of 12 children born in Ashland, Kentucky, to Edward and Emma VanHoose. He attended school in Ashland and graduated high school in Orlando, Florida, in 1946 and graduated from Rollins College in 1950.

Bob and Lorna were married in 1952 while Bob was serving in the USAF for three years during the Korean War. The couple and daughter Amy moved back to Ashland in 1953, where Bob went to work in his brother's used furniture store. He started Big Sandy Furniture in 1954. He and Lorna started a Christian day school in Ashland where they were active members of St. Paul Lutheran Church. Bob was a past president of the Ashland Kiwanis Club, and active in the Ashland Downtown Merchant's Association before moving to Ocala.

Bob wrote and published five Homily Grits (one- year daily devotional books) and several small group Bible studies. Homily Grits ministries has also served Biblical insights to thousands of people on the homilygrits.com web site, You Tube, and daily email subscribers in over 25 countries.

The family will be accepting visitors Tuesday, April 14th from 5:00-7:00 PM at Forest Lawn Funeral Home at 5740 South Pine Avenue, Ocala. A celebration of Bob's life will be held Wednesday, April 15th at 4:00 PM at St. John Lutheran Church, 1915 SE Lake Weir Avenue, Ocala. A reception will be held immediately following the service. The family requests that no flowers be sent, but would welcome memorial contributions to the St. John Scholarship Fund.

Arrangements under the direction of Forest Lawn Funeral Home, Ocala, FL.