Robert W. Gerken, 80, of Delta passed away unexpectedly on Good Friday, April 14, 2017 at his second home in Mesa, Arizona.  He was born in Wauseon on April 10, 1937 to the late August and Emilie (Plassman) Gerken.  Bob married Linda (Gorsuch) Gerken on September 20, 1985 and she survives.  He was a 1955 graduate of Malinta High School.  Bob was a Veteran who served with the U.S. Army during the Korean War.  Bob worked as a Fulton County Sheriff’s Deputy and in the banking industry for several years.  He later became treasurer of Pike-Delta-York Schools and retired as treasurer of Swanton Local Schools.  In his earlier years he was an avid softball player and a very dedicated golfer. Bob was a huge Ohio State Buckeye fan and enjoyed watching all sports.  He had a passion for music. Bob loved singing in the church choirs and was a member of the Delta United Methodist Church and the Sunland Village East Chapel in Mesa, AZ.  He especially enjoyed Thursday night karaoke out west during his retirement years.  Bob is survived by his children, Jill (Bobby) Olashuk, Michelle (Dave) Harman, Ann (Jeff) Campbell, Amy (James Whitehead) Gerken, Kay (Jeff) Ziegler, Todd (Beckey Schooler) Yoder; brother, Ron (Kay) Gerken and sister Lou Ann Harris. Also surviving are 14 grandchildren, several nieces and nephews, and many friends who will miss him dearly.  He was preceded in death by his oldest daughter Jodi (Mark) Wilhelm; twin brother, Richard Gerken; brother, Vernon (Joann) Gerken and sister, Loretta (Marv) Imbrock.  Bob was a very kind man with an unforgettable smile and an amazing sense of humor. He had a gift to converse with anyone that he would encounter. He would want everyone to know, “This is not goodbye...it’s be strong and carry on until we meet again.”  Friends will be received from 2:00 – 8:00 PM on Friday, April 21, 2017 at Barnes Funeral Chapel, 5825 St. Hwy 109 in Delta.  A funeral service celebrating his life will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, April 22, 2017 at the Delta United Methodist Church, 101 Northwood Drive, Delta, OH  43515.  Pastor Teresa Wenrick will be officiating.  Interment will follow at Greenlawn Cemetery in Delta.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are encouraged to be made to the Delta United Methodist Church or St. Jude Children’s Hospital, P.O Box 1000, Dept 142, Memphis, TN 38101-9908 in Bob’s memory.  Online condolences may be sent to the family through our website at www.barnesfuneralchapel.com.

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