Obituary for Robert DeVilbiss

O-H! Robert (Bob) Kline DeVilbiss, 97 of Westerville OH, peacefully left this earth on May 26, 2021 to begin his new adventure. Most famously known for his presence on the sideline at the OSU football games. Bob was a diehard Buckeye fan, loving husband, adored grandpa, veteran, jokester uncle and a man of God.

He began his journey on March 21, 1924 in Troy, OH born to Roy & Lillian DeVilbiss. His next chapter took him to Europe where he fought in WWII and was an active participant in the Normandy invasion. He was a proud member of the 366th Fighter Group and was later called to service during the Korean Conflict. Many years later he continued his service as an auxiliary member of the U.S. Coast Guard. Later in life he would love to reminisce about his service, often over a cup of coffee with one of his morning breakfast groups.

After the war, Bob began a long career with AT&T which took him to Portsmouth, OH and then to Columbus where he retired in 1983. During those years he and Helen reared six children in total chaos. Many weekends were spent camping and hiking as well as the beloved yearly trips camping on the beaches of Myrtle Beach. Bob felt a strong commitment to community and was involved in many civic associations. Always busy with a sharp engineering mind, he decided, at the age of 73 to take an opportunity to work for The OSU football program as a sideline communications specialist. He loved his time in the Shoe and would become known as “Buckeye Bob” where he retired again at the age of 90.

He is preceded in death by his parents, his loving wife of 47 years Helen Moyer DeVilbiss, grandsons Ryan & Kyle DeVilbiss and son-in-law Steve Flesher. Survived by son Doug (Carrie) DeVilbiss, son Rob (Karen) DeVilbiss, daughter Debbie Flesher, son Randy (Kelly) DeVilbiss, son Phil (Amy) DeVilbiss, daughter Cathy DeVilbiss. Grandchildren Sloan (John) White, Drew (Megan Smuckler) & Grant (Jody Albrecht) DeVilbiss, Aaron DeVilbiss, Todd Flesher, Justin DeVilbiss, Loren (Brad) Bloomberg, Trevor (Lauren) DeVilbiss, Jenna & Evan Kerr, Alexis Walker. Great grandchildren Addie, Brewer & Devon White, Josh & Alex Flesher, Bennett, Molly & Griffin Bloomberg, Porter DeVilbiss, longtime friend Phyllis Denman. A kind gentle and self-made man who loved many good practical jokes. His onery smile will be deeply missed by many. I-O!

Visitation will be a celebration of his love of family, life and the Buckeyes so please feel free to wear any of your Buckeye Nation gear to visitation hours, 4 to 6 pm, Tuesday, June 1, 2021 at HILL FUNERAL HOME, Westerville. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 am, Wednesday, June 2, 2021 at St. Paul Catholic Church followed by interment ay Kingwood Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to Kindred Hospice at KAH Foundation 6330 Sprint Parkway, Suite 300, Overland Park, KS 66211.