Robert "Bob" Wilson Jr.

Robert “Bob” M. Wilson, Jr. died peacefully surrounded by his loving family at his home in Battle Creek on Saturday, February 18, 2023.

Bob was born on March 15, 1934, the eldest son of Robert M. Wilson, Sr. and Prudence (Parsons) Wilson in Dayton, Ohio.

Bob’s early childhood was spent in Florida where his dad was stationed during WWII.  The family moved to Battle Creek in 1945 and his dad started Dare Products, Inc.  Bob was a 1952 Battle Creek Central High School graduate.

Bob began his career at Dare Products as a traveling salesman, working alongside his dad and his brother, Steve.   Bob spent 68 years working at Dare Products with 42 years holding the role of President.  He enjoyed all aspects of the business; officially retiring at the end of 2021.

In August 1959, a mutual friend, Bob Gronewold, introduced Bob to Sharon (Gebert) at a party and they were married six months later on February 28, 1960. They raised four children and enjoyed camping and many trips to Beaver Island which was Bob’s favorite vacation spot.  Bob and Sharon shared 52 years together before her passing December 14, 2012.

Bob’s passion was anything mechanical with main interest being cars.  A passion he passed to his three sons.  He loved his family and treasured moments with them.

He is survived by his four children: Bob (Pam) Wilson, Battle Creek; Jeff (Char) Wilson, South Haven; Nancy Ward, Chicago; Ken (Jennifer) Wilson, Ceresco; his seven grandchildren: Zach (Morgan) Wilson, Morgan (Geoff) Belt, Jeremy Wilson, Matt (Kaylynn) Wilson, Makena Wilson, Fred Yeomans and Pearl Yeomans; two great grandchildren Carson and Dawson Wilson.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents; wife and brother, Steve Wilson.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be directed to Beaver Island Community Center Fund (Charlevoix County Community Foundation P O Box 718 East Jordan, MI); Humane Society of South Central Michigan (2500 Watkins Rd Battle Creek, MI 49015) or Battle Creek Community Foundation (32 W Michigan Ave Ste 1, Battle Creek, MI 49017).

The family will receive friends on Wednesday, February 22, 2023, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Richard A. Henry Funeral Home & Cremation Services.  Funeral service scheduled for 3:00 p.m., Thursday, February 23, 2023 at the funeral home.  Private Interment will take place at Memorial Park Cemetery.  Please visit https://henryfuneralhome.org to view the online obituary, to sign the online guest book or to leave the family condolences.