Robert B. Armacost

Robert "Bob" Blayne Armacost met his Lord and Savior on Monday, June 29, surrounded by his three daughters. He was reunited with his deeply missed and dearly loved wife, Carol, along with the family and friends who preceded him in death. Bob, a devoted husband, father, and beloved Papa, was born on November 2, 1929, to John Marvin and Reatha (Ross) Armacost and was a little brother to his two big sisters Maxine (Bob) Scott and Pauline (Kenny) McCarty.

A lifelong resident of Preble County, he built deep and lasting friendships throughout the community. After graduating from Jackson High School, Bob pursued his passion for agriculture, working alongside his father at Armacost Elevator, Inc. He remained there until his retirement in 1986. Even in retirement, Bob’s fascination with the grain market and futures never stopped. His interest in watching market prices on his office computer kept his mind sharp and his days structured right up until his passing. This knowledge and passion for agriculture earned him an invitation to contribute to the Preble County Historical Society’s An Oral History podcast series. This opportunity to help preserve and promote the heritage of Preble County was a source of immense pride for both Bob and his family.

Whether forming lifelong friendships during more than 50 consecutive years of visits to the Smoky Mountains or through his regular, and oftentimes twice-daily, visits to the Eaton Place, Bob was a natural communicator who developed conversations with everyone he met. Bob proudly served his country as a tank commander in the Ohio National Guard, a role he genuinely enjoyed. He was also an active member of the Lions Club, where he served as president, and a faithful member of Eaton Methodist Church (formerly St. Paul United Methodist Church) for more than 50 years.

Within six months of meeting Carol Lee (Hollis) Armacost, she and Bob were married on June 8, 1962, at the First United Methodist Church in Richmond, Indiana. Shortly after their wedding, they moved to Ohio, where they built a life together and lovingly raised their three daughters: Kristi, Susan, and Traci. Bob and Carol were just shy of celebrating 61 years of marriage when Carol passed away in 2023. There is no doubt that Mom paved the way for Dad, and their reunion was filled with love and laughter. We also imagine Luther, leash in mouth, once again by Dad’s side, or perhaps even in the driver's seat of the motor coach, as they continue their journey together in Heaven.

In addition to being a devoted husband and father, Bob was also a deeply loved and cherished Papa to 11 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. Bob is survived by his three children Kristi (Tom) Marth, Susan (Jim) Lowney, and Traci (Andy) Wansack, his 11 grandchildren, Meghan (Marty), Colin (Melanie), Kara (Brad), Ally, Jerris, Seamus, Justine, Aubrey, Caroline, AJ, and Mary, and six great-grandchildren, Henry, Emma, Danny, Jane, Wesley, and Ellie.

Celebration of Life will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Monday, July 20th, at Eaton Methodist Church, 120 N. Maple St., Eaton, Ohio. The inurnment will be held in Mound Hill Cemetery in Eaton. The family will receive friends on Monday from 9:00 A.M. to 11:00 A.M. at the church.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that Memorial Contributions be made to Eaton United Methodist Church, 120 N. Maple St., Eaton, Ohio 45320, or EverHeart Hospice (https://everhearthospice.org/about-us/) of Greenville, Ohio.

Condolences may be sent to the family via the website: www.barnesfuneralhome.com