Robert (Bob) E. Worman

Robert (Bob) E. Worman, age 89, passed away on Saturday, January 1, 2011 at Bortz Health Care in Traverse City, Michigan. Robert was born on January 28, 1921 in Bluffton, Indiana to Lloyd and Olive (French) Worman. He attended Bluffton High School until his family moved to Nottingham Township in southern Wells County, where he graduated from Petroleum High School in 1940. Robert married Wilma A. King on Sept. 25, 1943 at the First Reform Church parsonage in Bluffton by Rev. Matthew Worthman. The couple celebrated their 67th wedding anniversary in 2010. Robert enlisted in the Naval Air Corp but was injured in an accident before serving and received a medical discharge. He spent the war years working as a fireman on the Pennsylvania Railroad. He worked for the Bluffton Grocery and transferred with the business to Fort Wayne when it became SuperValu Food Marketing Corp. Robert retired from the warehouse in 1982 after almost 40 years. Robert was also a part-time farmer for many years. After retirement, he planted three-acres of the farm in pine trees and opened Worman’s U-Cut Christmas Tree Farm on CR 200E. For 15 years he enjoyed welcoming many happy families who came during the holiday season and always filled his pockets with candy canes for the children. He was a member of the Indiana Christmas Tree Growers Association. Robert served as lay leader at Reiffsburg United Methodist Church in his early years. Later, he and his family attended the Petroleum United Methodist Church. Robert was a fan of the Chicago “Cubbies” and enjoyed traveling. Robert is survived by his wife, Wilma, and their children Michael D. (Elaine) Worman of Industry, Illinois; Stephen L. (Joyce) Worman of Grand Island, Florida; and Debra D. (Paul) Perry of Traverse City, Michigan. Also surviving are grandchildren Christopher (Lorri) Worman, Schawn (Ashley) Worman, Joseph Worman, Kaitlyn Worman, Joshua (Kay) Perry and Justin Perry; five great-grandchildren; and a sister, Joanne (Worman) Miller. He was preceded in death by brothers David Worman, LeRoy Worman, Paul Worman and sister Margaret (Worman) Gregg. Friends are invited to visit with the Worman family from 2 to 6 p.m. Tuesday at the Thoma/Rich, Chaney & Lemler Funeral Home in Bluffton. Funeral services will take place at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, January 5, 2010, at the Petroleum United Methodist Church will calling for one hour prior to the service. Burial will follow at Stahl Cemetery. Preferred memorials to the Petroleum United Methodist Church or Hospice of Michigan. Friends can send online condolences to www.thomarich.com.

Robert (Bob) E. Worman

January 28, 1921 - January 1, 2011