Robert (Bob) Hindson Forbes

Forbes

Robert (Bob) Hindson Forbes, 76, of Marietta, Ohio, passed away on Tuesday, May 14 at his residence.

Bob was born in Oak Hill, WV, on July 28, 1947, to John and Elizabeth (Hindson) Forbes. He moved to the Devola area in 1952, where he was extremely mischievous and often spent time by the river. Some would say that’s how he left the world as well.

Bob graduated from Marietta High School in 1965. He then attended Marietta College, where he was a proud member of the Delta Upsilon Fraternity until his graduation in 1969. Later, he obtained a master’s degree in Economics from Ohio University and additional administrative certifications from the University of Dayton. His work experience included teaching elementary school and secondary education at Frontier Local Schools, administration at Frontier Local Schools, and being principal at Beverly and Center Elementary in Fort Frye Local School District. After retirement, he worked for the Ohio Department of Education and as a substitute in various positions. He also coached football, softball, basketball, and many other sports, dedicating over 40 years to education in Washington County.

Additionally, he ran his business, Forbes Rentals, with his wife, Carol. Bob had a love-hate relationship with the Browns, cheered on the Buckeyes, and was a proud Reds fan. He was often found yelling at two TVs simultaneously!

He enjoyed golfing with his brothers and friends, although he frequently had to replace clubs lost in the water at Lakeside. “Bullet Bob” also played softball for years in rec leagues, earning his nickname not for speed but perhaps for other reasons. He was also called “Bobby Basketball” by his family due to his coaching antics. He loved his students and teammates dearly.

On Friday evenings, Bob could often be found giving a toast at the 11th hour with many of his friends. As he got older, he became an avid fan of Fort Frye Sports.

Bob loved deeply. He cherished his wife and best friend, Carol, above all else. He adored his four children: Ric (Brandi) Forbes of Lake Mary, Florida; Katie (Dan) vonHerrmann of Savannah, Georgia; Lindsay Hutton (Lee) of Georgia; and Dawn (Tim) Spurr of Beverly, Ohio.

He was extremely proud of his grandchildren: Seth Forbes (Bethany) of Culloden, WV; Beth Forbes, Liam, and Emma Forbes of Lake Mary, Florida; Nick (Tori) from Marietta; Akira, Jacob, Stella, and Jeremy Hutton from Georgia; Jayci Spurr from Beverly; his great-granddaughter, Adeline Grace Spurr; and, within the next month, two more great-grandchildren, Wren and Graham. He is survived by siblings Thomas (Judy) Forbes of Pittsburgh, Peggy Forbes of Marietta, Randall (Missy) Forbes of Marietta, Susan Forbes McClelland (Pete) of Columbus, and Catherine Hamman (Andy) of Chillicothe. He was preceded in death by his brother, John Forbes.

He also had many dear friends who visited and helped him in his last few years.

His dog, Zeke, will miss their walks by the river.

A celebration of life with a toast will be held later this summer at the Elks in Marietta. The family wishes to thank the Strecker Cancer Center for the care he received in the last six years. Dr. Cawley and Dr. Bhati saved his life many times, and there are no words to express our gratitude. Special thanks to Nick and Tori Spurr, Amedisys, Dr. Ward, Jane Nicewanger, and many others who were instrumental in his care.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his name to either the Fort Frye Athletic Boosters Girls’ Sports program (where he coached for many years) or the Washington County Humane Society, where he rescued many dogs.

Those wishing to share a story, fond memory, or their condolences, please visit MOVCremation.com (Mid-Ohio Valley Cremation Society)