Robert Joe “Bob” Cline, age 80 of Marion IN died Sunday, October 2, 2016 at Colonial Oaks Health Care Center.
Bob was the son of the late Lewis Cline and the late Florence “Cox” Cline. He was born November 9, 1935 in Liberty Township in Grant County, IN. He attended Fairmount Schools and even though he did not graduate from high school, the Fairmount High School class of 1953 claim his as their own.
Bob entered the Army on February 3, 1955 serving until 1957 spending his service mostly in Ft. Sill, Oklahoma.
He spent 28 years in the automobile business including owning used car lots, then, Bob Cline Ford in Fairmount and Bob Cline Olds-GMC-Nissan, in Marion. He sold his dealership in 1986. While in the car business, his motto was “Miles of Smiles” with a smiley face.
Bob worked for several years for Moorehead Communications and helped expand the number of Cellular Connection stores throughout Indiana. For a short time he also traveled for JD Byrider selling franchises in the US and Canada.
He is survived by his wife of 29 years, Linda, his sister, Leah Jane (Lee) Uhlenhopp, Canyon City, CO, and sister-in-law, Elaine Cline, Marion. Children, Barbara Cline, Greenfield, IN, Leah “LJ” (Danny) Yoder, Marion, IN and Michelle (Steve) Neff, Shelbyville, IN. Step-daughter, Deborah “Debbie” (Marlin) Eastburn, Gas City, IN, and step-son, John Brookshire (Tammy Hertlin), Marion IN.
Grandchildren & step-grandchildren include, Christopher Jarvis, Ashley Jarvis (Brandon Denny), Brittany Jarvis, Lacey Javis (Chad Jackson), Jessica Neff, Taylor Neff (Zach Hankins), Cameron (Tabitha) Yoder, Corey Franklin (Brooke Kistler-McNutt), Andrea Brookshire (Max Gorham), Matt Hertlin and Caite Plummer.
Great-grandchildren include, Makynzie, Graycee and Jase Franklin, Ryder Jackson, Braelynn Jarvis and two on the way, Emma Gorham and Liam Denny.
Besides his parents, preceding him in death was his son, Robert J Cline II, brothers, Jerry and John Cline, an infant brother and sister, Jimmy and Mary Elizabeth, and great-grandson, Brantley Franklin.
Bob was well-known for his story telling. He loved to hear a great story and when repeating it to others, would embellish the facts a little. One of his favorite sayings was, “There’s the right way, the wrong way and the Cline way – we’re doing it the Cline way”.
After his retirement, he enjoyed riding his Honda Goldwing Trike. He and Linda joined the Goldwing Road Riders Association and enjoyed many trips and dinner rides with them over the years.
If you learned anything from Bob, it was, work hard, work smart, and always treat people honestly and fairly. It’s easier to tell the truth because when you lie, you have to remember it. He was thoughtful and was very compassionate for his family, friends and employees. He always seemed to know the right thing to do.
Arrangements are being handled by Armes-Hunt Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 415 S. Main Street, Fairmount. Visitation is Friday, October 7, 2016 2:00 – 8:00 pm. Funeral is Saturday, October 8, 2016 at 3:00 pm Chaplain Ron Forsythe officiating. Burial with graveside service and military rites will follow at Park Cemetery, Fairmount, Indiana.
Memorial Contributions may be made to Cancer Services of Grant County or the Grant County Humane Society in care of the funeral home.
Memories can be shared at the service or memories and condolences can be shared with the family at www.armeshuntfuneralhome.com