Robert W. Gentry

Robert W. Gentry, 67, of Dowagiac, passed peacefully in the comfort of his family’s presence.

His life began February 4, 1959 in Flint, Michigan, the second child of 3 born to parents James Truman Gentry and Hildegard Keim 

He married Catherine Carter, February 26th 1983 in Dowagiac, Michigan. Together they celebrated 43 years of marriage this year. A testament to their enduring love and devotion to one another. 

Bob was a man of many interests and skills. One of his greatest passions was sports. He had an incredible knowledge of sports history, games, athletes and game stats and could recall them with incredible detail. His favorite teams though were the Green Bay Packers and Alabama Crimson Tide. Always adding "Roll Tide" whenever saying farewells. Along with the Boston Celtics and San Antonio Spurs. Bob was an avid outdoors man and always loved fishing, ice fishing, hunting, gardening, camping, cutting and splitting wood. He found his greatest peace in the outdoors and had a deep appreciation for nature. He was known for his passion and diligence especially with his tomato plants he and his wife loved to grow in their yard. Affectionately nicknamed farmer Bob by his neighbor and friend, for his vast amount and variety of tomatoes they would grow every summer. Bob was always known for his passion for playing horseshoes and the skill he brought to the game. A natural athlete for any sport he played but throwing horseshoes being his favorite pastime. He always enjoyed the competition between whoever he played but most importantly the time and laughs spent and shared with his friends and family while playing the game. 

Bob loved spending time with his family and friends anywhere there was water. Especially at Kelsey Lake where decades of memories were made. Bob's most cherished times were taking drives with his wife and often finding themselves spending time by the St. Joe River in Niles or anywhere they could drop a line and fish. Looking for deer alongside the country or anywhere to watch nature or setting off on a spontaneous adventure wherever their day led them. 

Music was a very important and special part of his life. His love and reverence of Blues, Rock and Roll, Country music was very known. Some of favorite musicians being Johnny Cash, Neil Young, Bob Dylan, George Harrison and Bob Seger. He was a self- taught harmonica player and was known to never leave home without it and known to pull it out and play a tune at any time. He had a special gift for picking up his harmonica and being able play along or add his own extra flare to any song that might come on. His harmonica playing brought smiles and lightheartedness to those around him and became one of the many things that made him uniquely him.  

Bob will be remembered for his goofy personality, endless jokes and hilarious humor. Always cracking jokes or being silly making everyone around him laugh. He would often say his antics were to always try and get everyone to laugh and have a good time. He had a talent for always being the life of the party and making any gathering more memorable. He was incredibly hardworking and dependable, always putting in his heart and 100% into everything he did. His humor, generosity, kindness and unforgettable personality touched the lives of everyone who had the privilege of knowing him. 

Robert will be greatly missed by family and friends.  He is survived by his wife, Catherine M. Gentry; two daughters, Courtney of Dowagiac, Carley (Thomas Hopper) Dowagiac; grandchildren, Cody, Wyatt, Kendall, Jackson; two brothers, James Truman Gentry Jr. (J.T.) of Kalamazoo, Michael Gentry of Austintown, Ohio; One Sister, Michele Davis, East Liverpool, Ohio and Step Mother Connie Gentry of Youngstown, Ohio. He was preceded in death by His parents and his sister Andrea Gentry.

The family will observe a private remembrance at later date, per Robert's wishes.  Robert will be laid to rest in Prairie Grove cemetery in Penn Township, Cass County Michigan. 

The family prefers contributions in memory of Robert be made to The Michigan Humane Society

Arrangements have been entrusted to Wagner Family Funerals Connelly Chapel, Cassopolis. Please share a memory or a message online: wagnercares.com.

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