Robert Earl Neth's Obituary
Robert Earl Neth, age 86, of Austell, GA and previously of Columbus, IN, passed away peacefully on May 24, 2024.
Bob was born to Raymond Earl Neth and Mary Rebecca Neth (nee Jordan) at home on the family farm in Illinois. He spent his adolescence in Kempton, Illinois and graduated from Kempton High School, Class of 1955. Bob went on to achieve multiple degrees in higher education, beginning with his Bachelors degree from the University of Illinois, and then his Masters from University of Michigan – Ann Arbor.
His successful and varied career began with his work as a mechanical engineer for Ford Motor Company in Dearborn, MI. After 10 years of service with Ford, the family moved to Columbus, Indiana in 1970, where Bob worked for Cummins, Inc. until his early retirement in 1988. Always one to keep busy, Bob left retirement to become a professor at Purdue University, where he taught for 18 years.
Bob was an active member of the community in Columbus. He was a member of the Columbus Rotary Club, sang in the church choir of the First United Methodist Church of Columbus for 50 years, and volunteered at Columbus Regional Hospital. His love for helping others drove him to volunteer with Housing Partners, who assisted in building projects for those in need. Bob was also a judge for senior projects at local high schools.
A multi-talented and intelligent man, Bob was inducted as a member of MENSA. He was an avid car enthusiast who restored a 1970 Ford Mustang, and also had a deep passion for nature. He loved caring for his trees, and it pained him to ever cut a limb. You could find him enjoying the great outdoors and sharing his plants with others. He had a quick wit and an abundance of “dad” jokes, as well as the ability to sing the alphabet backwards! Bob’s kindness, strength of character, and hard-work, which was displayed in his valiant battle against his Parkinson’s diagnosis, is a beacon of light to his family and friends. Bob and Carolyn were avid traveler’s and visited all seven continents, including Antarctica, where they enjoyed the unspoiled beauty of God’s creation
Bob was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather who will be deeply missed by all who love him.
Bob is preceded in death by his parents and sister, Beverly June Lewis.
He is survived by his beloved wife of 65 years, Carolyn Jean Neth (nee Lydigsen); children, Craig Allen Neth (wife, Dale) of Hollis, NH and April Carlisle (husband, David) of Smyrna, GA
A memorial service honoring Bob’s life will be held Sunday, May 26th, 2:00 PM at the Lakeview Room at Presbyterian Village with Chaplain Chris Moore-Keish officiating.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to the Caring Hands Fund at Presbyterian Village, which can be made online at https://www.phgainc.org/donate/caring-hands-offering/ or by check, made out to Presbyterian Homes of Georgia with “Caring Hands Fund” in the memo line, 2000 East-West Connector, Austell, GA 30106.
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