Robert Lee "Bob" "Hawk" Halker's Obituary
Robert Lee "Bob" "Hawk" Halker, 76, passed away on Wednesday, May 7, 2025, at OSU Medical Center, joining the love of his life. Bob was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and a loyal friend.
Bob was born to the late Harold and Vivian (Meyer) Halker on June 5, 1948, the oldest of seven children. He married Phyllis (Taylor) Halker on February 21, 1970. Together they raised their three children on the Halker Homestead, also known as Shady Lane Farm.
Bob graduated from Columbus Grove High School in 1966. After graduation he went to work for Phillips before leaving to work at Ford Motor Company in 1968, which he retired from in 2006 after 38 years. Bob served his community as a member of the Columbus Grove Volunteer Fire Department from 1974-1986. After retiring from Ford, Bob went to work for the township caring for Truro, Bogart and Wisely cemeteries. Bob took great pride in caring for the cemeteries with over 2500 satisfied customers and not a single complaint. He retired from mowing in 2024 but still drove by to check on the cemeteries often.
Bob was a member of St Anthony of Padua Parish and Knights of Columbus. He was also an active member of Columbus Grove VFW Post 9648 Auxiliary, Columbus Grove and Ottawa Eagles, and Columbus Grove Legion. Bob served on the Putnam County Fair Board from 1983-1999, serving as the director of the midway and president of the fair board for a few terms.
Bob was a huge sports fan!! If the Reds or Buckeyes were on TV, you can guarantee he was watching the game. However, his biggest enjoyment in sports came from watching his grandchildren- from little league until their graduation he attended as many football, basketball, baseball, soccer and volleyball games, track meets, and livestock shows as he could. If he couldn't attend in person, he watched them on TV. Every morning during sports season he turned on WOSN to see if they would have any Grove games on that day, even if he watched it the night before he never missed the chance to watch a replay of his grandchildren playing.
Bob is survived by his sons, Lee Halker and Bob (Jodi) Halker; daughter, Casey (Bryan) Burkholder; and grandchildren, Payton, Shep and Emerson Halker and Levi, Haley and Aubrey Burkholder. He is also survived by his brothers, sisters, and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife, parents, brother-in-law, and nephew.
Mass of Christian Burial is 10 am Friday, May 16, 2025, at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church, 518 W Sycamore St., Columbus Grove. Visitation is also 2 to 8 pm Thursday, May 15, 2025, at Hartman-Rousculp Community Funeral Home, 10879 OH-12, Columbus Grove. Burial in St. Anthony Cemetery, Columbus Grove. Preferred memorials to Putnam County Homecare and Hospice or the Columbus Grove Volunteer Fire Department. For online condolences please visit www.hartmanfunerals.com
What’s your fondest memory of Robert?
What’s a lesson you learned from Robert?
Share a story where Robert's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Robert you’ll never forget.
How did Robert make you smile?