Robert "Bobby" P. Houser

            Bobby Houser, 80, passed away in the early morning of Thursday, September 19, 2024 at Adena Regional Medical Center after a short illness. He was born December 24, 1943 in Chillicothe, Ohio as the only child of Robert Page Houser and Martha Ellen Purdum Houser. Bobby’s mom was a secretary/bookkeeper for the Majestic in the 1960’s and his dad was a 33-year veteran of the Chillicothe Police Department, retiring as a captain.  Bobby was born with the invisible disability of deafness. This disability did not hamper his engagement into the labor force nor stifle his connection with many life-long friends and family.

After attending Chillicothe High School, he was certified as a drafting technician from Columbus Drafting College and was awarded a diploma from Belsaw Institute as a small engine service and repair. Bobby worked in various auto repair and mechanical shops in Chillicothe and Columbus and was especially appreciative of opportunities, skills, and friendship from the Gillum families. He even delved into Houser Construction and a lawn mower repair business out of his home.

Bobby is survived by cousins, John (Cheryl) Purdum and Brad Purdum of Chillicothe; and Elaine (Brad) Basil of Columbus. He was blessed with many close friends and supportive neighbors. A lifelong friend of James Kern of Cincinnati and neighbor David Pigott were especially close to Bobby. Bobby enjoyed the routine calls from Jim that included reminiscing, wellness checks, and planned visitations. David protected Bobby from city services by keeping his yard and premises in orderly condition. David also prompted his Facebook friends to shower Bobby with birthday and Christmas cards each December – for which Bobby was overwhelmed with joy – reading each one several times – keeping them all!

Bobby’s family and friends would like to thank all those that supported Bobby over the years. Thanks to Adena Regional Medical staff and caregivers, Adena Hospice, South Central Ohio Job & Family Services, and Hopewell Health Center.  A special thanks to Signature Healthcare of Chillicothe staff, nurses, and therapists for Bobby’s recent visits – we know he created a unique challenge for you – but on a return trip from the hospital, he declared with a smile that “he was home”.

The funeral will be at Ware Funeral Home 121 W 2nd Street Chillicothe on Tuesday, September 24, 2024 at 11 am with visitation 1 hour before the service. Burial will immediately follow the service at Greenlawn Cemetery, Chillicothe.

In lieu of  flowers the family requests donations, in Bobby’s memory, be made to: Deaf Services Center 5830 North High Street Worthington, Ohio 43085 (on-line dsc.org/give/); Majestic Theatre 230 N Plaza Blvd Chillicothe, Ohio 45601; Fraternal Order of Police 290 McArthur Street Chillicothe, Ohio 45601.

Note to Bobby’s friends: Any equipment/supplies/tools that Bobby had you store/keep for him, please reach out to wares@horizonview.net  for return/disposition. We thank you

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Robert "Bobby" P. Houser, please visit our floral store.