Robert G. Felix

Robert Felix, of Maumee, Ohio, passed away on Saturday, October 28, 2017 at Hospice of NWO after a lengthy journey with Alzheimers disease. Alzheimers may have mercilessly robbed him of his memory and mental status over time, however it could never touch his ability to live, laugh and love! Bob was born on December 14, 1931 to Bernard and Mary Felix. He attended St. Catherine and St. Agnes grade schools. He then attended Central Catholic High School where he excelled on the basketball court. Bob was a point guard known for his playmaking abilities. During his 4 years there, the Irish were runner up in the state finals of the 1948-1949 season and they also won multiple City League championships during that span. In 1951 after his Senior season, Bob had the honor of being selected to the The Blades 1st team all-city and was also selected for 2nd team all-state honors for Ohio. While at CCHS his love for basketball took a backseat to the real love of his life, Shirley Gorke. Shirley gave Bob the nickname Bibbles and that nickname will forever be cemented in the annals of CCHS basketball history. During his senior season at Central, Bob was recruited by numerous colleges and universities including Ohio State, Xavier, Marquette, Cincinnati and Dayton. He chose to become a University of Dayton Flyer with the hopes to once again play alongside his former teammate and friend at CCHS Don Donoher. However, Bobs college basketball career was cut short after only 1 season at Dayton when he was drafted into the United States Army to serve in the Korean War. He proudly served his country overseas for 17 months until the end of the war in 1953. He achieved the rank of Corporal and he was the Radar OReilley for his unit serving as company clerk. At his bedside at hospice and with his family surrounding him, Bob received a military pinning ceremony to honor his service to our country. Just over one hour later Bob passed away, no doubt knowing that his family had just came together one last time in his presence. Bob married Shirley on March 26, 1955 and soon after they would choose to set their roots to raise their family on Western avenue in the Old South End of Toledo. This Irish American neighborhood known as Darby would be called home for the Felix family for the next 24 years. In 1979 they moved their family to the Beverly neighborhood of south Toledo where they resided on Mapleway Drive. The entire Felix family felt blessed over the course of many years because of the lifelong friendships that evolved from these 2 neighborhoods. Bob and Shirley were extremely proud to have made the sacrifices in their lives to send their 5 children to both a Catholic grade school (Immaculate Conception) and high school (Central Catholic). The Felix children will always have great appreciation and fond memories of the family vacations to the Smokey Mountains and various parts of Florida. Thank you Mom and Dad! Bob was a salesman for many years for Continental Coffee Inc. and later for food distributor Meisel Sysco. Bob made numerous friends over the years at various restaurants throughout the city. Because of the love his customers had for him, Bob never had to worry about having a good lunch because one was often provided to him on the house. Bobs most special relationships involved the owners and staff of Rudys Hot Dog, Eddie Lees, Nick and Jimmys, the Mango Tree, and of course, Christophers. Bob loved his 5 children deeply, however it was the love and pride he had for his grandchildren that brought him so much joy and happiness. The desire to be involved in his grandchildrens lives provided Bob with a greater purpose for his life as he grew older. Papa Bob would always drop whatever plans he had at the time to make himself available to help with his grandchildren. Whether it was to babysit them or help transport them to and from school or their various activities, Papa was always there to answer the bell. Whether it was taking them to Franklin Park mall to browse and shop or it was taking them to Bob Evans to enjoy a sausage and gravy breakfast, Papa always knew exactly what made his grandkids happy. They always knew that no matter the sport, no matter the weather, and no matter the score, they would always have their #1 fan Papa up in the stands cheering them and their teams on! Papa always looked forward to and enjoyed the visits to his house from his grandkids. The visits from his granddaughter from Seattle were obviously always special. Bob was also blessed with 2 great grandchildren and up until the final days in his house, you would still find papa Bob on the floor playing with Aubrey and Little Robert. Words simply cannot express the influence he had in all of his grandchildrens lives! As one family member remarked on Bobs final day at hospice, When it came to being a great papa, he absolutely knocked that one out of the park! You might just notice it through acts of kindness, a sense of humor, a desire to help others, a hard work ethic, or just simply love, but when you really get to know his children or grandchildren, you also are fortunate enough to get to know a part of Bob! Bob enjoyed golfing, swimming, working out/lifting weights, and reading different newspapers. He also enjoyed spending time relaxing on Lake Erie on his sons boat. Bob always loved and appreciated the many dinner invitations he received over the years from all of his children. So many precious and unforgettable moments right there at the dinner table! He also appreciated greatly his familys efforts to keep him in touch with his past, whether it was Sunday Mass at Immaculate Conception, a walk around Walbridge Park, a drive past 236 Western, or a hamburger at the Green Lantern. At home in front of the TV, Bob always enjoyed following his favorite sports teams, the Cincinnati Reds, the Green Bay Packers, and the Duke Blue Devils. As Bob grew older and he became less mobile he found happiness in the more simpler things of life.. Like a stroll around the block in his wheelchair saying hello to his neighbors while enjoying the fresh air and sun, or a car ride down along River Road while listening to his friends Neil Diamond, Jimmy Buffet and the Zac Brown band. Bob could definitely play a pretty mean air banjo and air violin while jamming to his favorite song Chicken Fried. His family will always cherish the passion he displayed during his Sweet Caroline video! Along with his wife Shirley, Bob was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Bernard and James, sisters Mary Knapp and Barbara Kille, daughter in-law Pam Moran, granddaughter Beth Smith, and his most trusted companion for so many years Iggy. Bob is survived by his 5 children; Steve, Chris (Marcia Holmes), Jeff (Millie), Karen Longeway (Dennis), and Tim (Judy), seven grandchildren; Joshua, Victoria (Brian), Katelyn, Matthew , Sarah, Emily, and Kelly, along with 2 great grandchildren Aubrey, and Aiden (Little Robert). Bob was very blessed to receive such compassionate care over the years from so many people. Words cannot express the gratitude our family has for the following individuals and their staffs: Nizar Daboul MD. (fist bump), Timothy Tomase DDS (go Bucks), William Carroll DDS, Beau Bortel DPM, Lori Lowe DPT St. Lukes aquatic therapy (Go Duke Blue Devils), Cynthia Orley LISW, Janet Kampfer Invision Salon, The staff at Heartland of Waterville (especially Dawn, Wendy, Felicia, Alayah, Della, and Whitney,- job well done to all of you!), and the excellent staff at Hospice of NWO. Most importantly, the family would like to thank Bobs home aide Kelly Williams for her nearly 4 years of dedicated service to Bobs well being. We couldnt have accomplished what we did without your help Kelly! Lastly, thank you to God for His Word in Sirach 3: 2-6, 12-14. Its the first reading each year on the Feast of the Holy Family and it is truly inspirational. Visitation will be Monday, November 6, 2017 beginning at 10:00 a.m.at Saint Joan of Arc Catholic Church, 5856 Heatherdowns Blvd, Toledo Ohio, 43614 followed by a memorial Mass at 11:00 a.m., with Father Adam Hertzfeld celebrating. There will be a luncheon provided by the parishioners of St. Joan of Arc immediately following the service. It is the familys hope that you can stay for the luncheon and join us in continuing the celebration of Bobs life. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in Bobs name be made to the local Alzheimers Association or Saint Joan of Arc Parish.