Robert E. Oldfather

Robert “Bob” E. Oldfather, age 71, passed away on September 7, 2022 at his residence near Macy, Indiana, after a battle decades-long with multiple sclerosis.

Robert was born on February 7, 1951 in Rochester, Indiana to Wilfred W. and Ruth E. (Yentes) Oldfather.  He graduated in 1969 from Manchester High School, including one year of welding instruction through the Upper Wabash Vocational School.  Following graduation, Robert lived for a time in the Netherlands as a participant in the International Farm Youth Exchange (IFYE) program.

On December 26, 1981, he married Kathleen “Kathy” Louise Myers in Laketon, Indiana.  In 1994, they purchased a farm in Miami County and moved to their current location near Macy.

As an accomplished welder and farmer, Robert owned and operated Oldfather Welding along with operating and maintaining his family farm with his wife and son.

Before relocation to Miami County, Robert served for six years as a volunteer Sheriff Deputy in Wabash County and was a member of the Sheriff’s Underwater Recovery Team.  He also served as a volunteer firefighter for the Pleasant Township Fire Department.

As a young adult, Robert enjoyed motorcycle riding and racing, scuba diving and photography.

He loved maintaining and exploring his parent’s woods, especially during mushroom season.  He had a heart for serving his customers, neighbors, and church.  Robert learned to work hard with integrity through the example of his parents on their family farm near Laketon, Indiana.  As a father, Robert instilled those same qualities in his son, Jeremy, for whom he loved.

Robert attended the Olive Branch Church of God before becoming ill, and was also a valued member of Jubilee Outreach, centered in Mentone, Indiana.

In spite of the toll that chronic disease levied on Robert, near the end of his journey, he re-affirmed his trust in Jesus and his faith that there is no disease, condition or hardship that can get in the way of God fulfilling His promise to complete the good work that He begins in our heart.  As if in confirmation, there is a notable message of “7s” found in the dates surrounding Robert’s birth and passing.  Consider this: he was born on February 7th and died on September 7th, at the age of 71 years and 7 months old.  That is a lot of “7s”!  Biblically, the number “7” is used symbolically to convey a state of “perfect” or “complete”.  Through God’s grace, Robert endured to the end.  Time to move on, for he is now perfect and complete in Jesus!

James 1:2-4 NASB

2 Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials,

3 knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance.

4 And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.

Surviving Robert is his wife, Kathy Oldfather of Macy, IN; (1) son: Jeremy Oldfather of Brooklyn, NY; (2) brothers: Charles Oldfather (Marilyn) of DeAllend, MX; James (Jan) Oldfather of Victoria, TX; and eight nieces and nephews and extended family.

Preceding Robert in death are his parents; a daughter: Melissa Ann Oldfather; (2) brothers: Neal and Randolph Oldfather.

There will b a Celebration of Life service for Robert at Olive Branch Church, Roann, Indiana on Sunday, October 2, 2022, officiated by Terry Vanlaningham.  A meal for the family and friends will begin at 1:00 p.m. with the service following at 2:00 p.m.  For those who cannot attend in person, it will be live-streamed on the church’s website: https://olivebranch.church  A graveside service and burial will follow in the Enterprise Cemetery (formally known as the Olive Branch Cemetery).

Memorial contributions may be made to Area Five Agency on Aging and Community Services, Inc. and to the Pleasant Township Fire Dept.

Online condolences may be sent to earllovefuneralhome.com

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