Born and raised in Lancaster, Bob was the son of the late Richard Gebhard and the late Barbara (Brandt) Bowers, as well as stepson to the late Faine Amelia Kolb. Bob was the devoted husband to Patricia (Shirk) Gebhard, with whom he celebrated 68 years of marriage in January.
Bob attended Lancaster Catholic High School, where he played football, before going on to build a successful career in the heavy-duty truck parts industry. The son of a truck driver, Bob joined Safety Sales & Service in 1957, where he worked until 1973, when he and two partners opened their own business, Big Rig Truck Parts. Big Rig later expanded into Big Rig Volvo White Truck Dealership at the intersection of Routes 222 and 322 in Ephrata. Affectionately nicknamed ‘Big-Rig Bob’ amongst his peers, Bob was revered as one of the greats within his industry. In 1998, Bob opened Class 8 Parts in New Holland, along with his son-in-law John and close friend James. He retired from the business in 2004.
A tireless entrepreneur, Bob was also known to undertake many side business ventures and was always up for a new challenge. Most notably, as a young newlywed, Bob’s father-in-law, Joseph Shirk, asked Bob to help him open a grocery store in the second half of their family home next to Lititz Spring Park. Shirk’s Grocery & Deli went on to become a staple in the Lititz community for over three decades.
For all his many achievements, Bob considered his family to be his greatest success and his greatest joy. He was an exemplary husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He made his love known through being present, whether it was saving one of the kids from a broken-down vehicle, or cheering them on in a championship game. His love knew no bounds. The memories he created will be cherished forever.
In addition to his loving wife Patricia, Bob is survived by his two daughters: Pamela Lowry (married to John Lowry) of Mt. Gretna and Robin Irons of Ephrata. He is also survived by five grandchildren: Nicholas Irons (married to Cindy Dubosq Irons) of Palmyra; Cory Lowry (partner of Latasha Moore) of Mohnton; Jonathan “Finn” Lowry (married to Danielle Seager Lowry) of Mt. Gretna; Rebecca Irons of Lancaster; and Sarah Irons of Ephrata, as well as four great-grandchildren: Morgan Irons, Preston Lowry, Bryson Lowry, and Brynn Lowry. Also surviving are Bob’s brother Barry Gebhard (married to Joanne “Joie” Thomas Gebhard) of Palmyra, nephew Brent Gebhard, niece Jody Gebhard, and brother Jere Brandt of Lenexa, Kansas.
A visitation will be held on Saturday, November 8, 2025 from 12:00 to 2:00 pm with a concluding prayer at 2 pm, in Clauser Funeral Home, 116 N. Carpenter St., Schaefferstown, PA 17088.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in Bob’s honor can be made to Water Street Rescue Mission, 210 S. Prince St., Lancaster, PA 17603
