Robert "Bob" Robey

Robert W. "Bob" Robey, 74, of Fordsville made his graceful exit on Friday, April 29, 2016, peacefully passing away at the Hospice Care Center in Lexington. He was born August 1, 1941 in Owensboro to the late James B. Robey, Sr. and Venita Scott Robey. After Bob graduated from Daviess County High School in 1959, he earned his BS in Social Work from KWC in 1977. He then worked for River Valley Behavioral Health from 1977-1991 during which time he developed and managed Pinocchio's Deli and Bakery which won several national awards for innovation by providing training and employment of people with developmental disabilities. Bob retired as a Bereavement Coordinator with Hospice of W. Kentucky in 2006 after counseling and facilitating support groups, coordinating an annual youth bereavement camp, and presenting community education programs in schools, churches, and other organizations. While at Hospice, he also authored After Suicide: A Resource Guide. In retirement, he continued his passion of helping others working for AmeriCorps advocating for the homeless population in Owensboro from 2009-2011 and was awarded the 2010 AmeriCorps Volunteer of the Year. He was the Suicide Prevention Training Coordinator for the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services 2012 to 2013 and was most recently a yoga instructor for the Seniors Activities Center in Owensboro. Bob also served as a board member for the Owensboro Suicide Prevention Coalition where he volunteered as facilitator for the Survivors of Suicide Support Group and received their 2015 Lifesavers Award. Other awards include the 2002 Health Care for the Disadvantaged Service Award and the 2006 Kentucky Spark Award for suicide prevention. Above all else, Bob was devoted to his family.

Mr. Robey was preceded in death by his wife of 35 years, Carol Robey, whom he missed every day since her passing on July 8, 2014; brothers, Bill Robey of Owensboro and Jim Robey of Columbia, South Carolina; nephew, Eric Robey; and great-nephew, Jamie Jacobs.

Surviving are his four children, Greg Robey and wife Cathy of Bowling Green, Naren Robey and wife Ildi, Kevin Robey and wife Leah, Tanya Robey Sturgill, all of Lexington; eight grandchildren, Haley and Jack Robey of Bowling Green, Oscar, Millie, Camelia, Lilli Robey, and Hannah Sturgill all of Lexington, Katherine Sturgill of Chicago; six sisters-in-law Chrissy Robey, Jackie "Sis" Robey, Elizabeth Brown, Rebecca Ewing, Diane Ewing Whalen, Emily Ewing Gillum; brother-in-law, Alan Ewing; his "adopted" daughter, Julie Kraska; many nieces and nephews; and the "Farm Folks" of Harmony Farm, Fordsville.

Condolences may be shared with the family on Friday, May 6 at Glenn Funeral Home and Crematory beginning at 11:00 a.m. followed by a memorial service at 3:00 p.m. with Dr. Sam Quick officiating.

Memorial contributions may take the form of donations to the Owensboro Regional Suicide Prevention Coalition (ORSPC), 2400 Friendship Dr, Ste B, Owensboro, KY 42303; Pitino Shelter, 501 Walnut St., Owensboro, KY 42301; Hospice of W. Kentucky, 3419 Wathen's Crossing, Owensboro, KY 42301; Hospice of the Bluegrass, 2409 Members Way, Lexington, KY 40504; or the Divine Stillness Meditation Center, c/o Sam Quick, 125 Forrest Ave, Unit 3210, Lexington, KY 40508.