Robert "Bob" Ross Webb died on Tuesday, Sept. 6, 2011, while doing what he dearly loved, working in his well drilling business. Bob was born on March 21, 1935, in Plainfield Township. His parents were Victor and Christina (nee Earl) Webb. Bob had one sister, Janice, and two brothers, Richard and Donald. Bob married Arlene Harsch on May 21, 1963, in Waukeagon, Ill. In 1958, Bob was drafted into the U.S.
Army, where he was blinded in one eye while firing his rifle at the rifle range in Ft. Hood, Texas. He served his country for two years and was honorably discharged as a disabled veteran.From a young age, Bob was always a high energy person who loved working outdoors. In 1966, Bob left a good paying job with Consumers Power Company to start R. Webb & Son Well Drilling, because he had difficulty getting his well repaired at some property he owned in Hale. By 2005, his company, R. Webb & Son Well Drilling, operated two rotary drilling rigs each with a three-man crew, four two-man well repair crews, a three-man new well hook up crew and a three-man specialty crew that works on large well repairs for schools, business and industry and employed 35 people. They also sell, service and install water conditioning equipment for the smallest to the largest job. The company operates in all of the northeastern Michigan area. In the current economic climate, his company still employs 10 people and still lives up to its motto, "Quality Water Starts Here." At the height of his career in 2005, Bob was named Michigan Well Driller of the Year by the Michigan Ground Water Association.He was preceded in death by his loving parents; brother, Donald; brother-in-law, James Whitehead; and one great-grandson, James Coleman III. He is survived by his loving wife, Arlene; two children, Robert II and wife Candy and Luwinda Lippert (Webb) and husband Sam; and by nine grandchildren, Bocandra Webb, Robert Webb III and Andy, Trudi, Jeff, Cheryl, Aaron, Kristopher and Tria Lippert; and eight great-grandchildren, Veronica, Joey, Rebecca and Mia Lippert, Jacob Cloyd, Ella King, Preston Coleman and Leland Wright; and by his sister, Janice; and his brother, Richard.Funeral services were held Saturday, Sept. 10, at Hale Baptist Church, 327 N. Washington. The family received friends Friday at the Hale chapel of Buresh Funeral Home, 121 S. Washington, and Saturday at the church until the time of service. The Rev. Blaine Anderson officiated. Interment with military honors followed at the Esmond-Evergreen Cemetery in Hale. A military/veteran walk-through ceremony was held Friday evening. Those wishing to express words of sympathy may do so at
www.bureshfuneralhomes.com.
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