Robert Merle Chance, 95, of Wooster, passed away at his home early Saturday morning, November 26, 2016. He had just returned home from a 2 day stay in the hospital with a stomach virus that seemed to weaken the otherwise strong man.
He was born February 2, 1921 on the family farm to Russell and Marie Zimmerman Chance. In 1945 he married Opal Smith, who preceded him in death in 2011.
Robert was a lifelong resident of Wayne County, assuming many roles of occupation associated with the agriculture and business communities. He started farming at an early age, hauling stock, coal and feed at the Wooster Equity, was a mechanic for Weygant Inc. and operator at the Davey Tree Farm and in the oil field business. Finally he was the outside go to guy for the Pine Tree Barn before semi retiring at the age of 90.
He was a life member of the Wayne County Saddle Club and the Jeromesville Coon Hunters Club. He attended the Wayne County Fair every year that he could remember and especially enjoyed the horse pull. Robert was an avid coon hunter in his day and later was a box trapper. He enjoyed his family, riding his 4 wheeler, keeping the home fires burning while watching the Cleveland Indians, rodeos and westerns. He watched so many westerns that his dear canine companion Scout was just about gun shy. A couple of years ago he fulfilled his wish of going to Cheyenne, WY and attending Frontier Days and the Daddy of Them All outdoor rodeo. His memory of the past was remarkable and his ability to retell a story was of great value to those who would ask or listen.
Many thanks go to all of the family and friends that associated with Bob and the great neighbors that checked in with him. His love and wit will be greatly missed.
Robert is survived by his sons Tracy (Katherine) Chance and John (Joleen) Chance; grandchildren Julie (Kevin) Keener, Jarrod (Carrie) Chance, Janelle (Paul) Elling, Geoffrey, Jessica and Brittany Stevens; 5 great grandchildren Owen and Brianna Keener, Sylvia and Savanna Chance and Gavin Elling.
Along with his wife of 66 years, Opal, Robert was preceded in death by his parents, a daughter Wendy S. Chance; brothers Clifford (Marjorie) Chance, Wilmer (Florence) Chance and sisters Joann (Harleen) Boreman and Norma Jean Chance.
Funeral services will be held on Thursday, December 1, 2016 at 11:00 AM at McIntire, Bradham & Sleek Funeral Home, 216 E. Larwill St., Wooster. Interment will follow in Reedsburg Cemetery.
Friends will be received at the funeral home on Wednesday evening from 5:00-7:00 PM.
Online condolences may be left for the family at www.mcintirebradhamsleek.com
Memorial Contributions
None
Service
Thursday, December 1, 2016 at 11:00 AM at the funeral home
Visitation
Wednesday evening from 5:00-7:00 PM at the funeral home
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