Robert “Bobby” Buckhave, 62 years old, died peacefully on Sunday, July 2 at Mercy Fairfield with members of his family by his side. Bobby grew up in New Alsace, IN with his parents and 9 siblings. He married his love, Lori (Bush) Freese in 1981. Together they lived for 25 years raising their three children: Brandon, Tiffany & Michelle in Mt. Pleasant and St. Leon areas. Bobby worked diligently at Duke Energy for nearly 40 years. In his free time, he loved being with family and friends camping, playing poker, chess, civilization, or golf and Mario Party on the Game Cube and watching Bengal’s football. Bobby loved to joke around, teach new things, and make everyone smile. You couldn’t miss the sparkle in his eyes!
In 2006, daughter Tiffany was brought to heaven after only 22 years in her life. Soon after, Bobby separated from his marriage mourning his baby girl. He sang often, “Oh where oh where, can my baby be? The Lord took her away from me. She’s gone to heaven, so I’ve got to be good. So, I can see my baby when I leave this world” Much pain was in his life both physically and emotionally.
Grateful for new beginnings, the last 12 years of his life Bobby spent with a new love, Jayna Denny. They moved to Fairfield, OH and took care of one another through hard times in each of their lives. Bobby also was able to welcome and enjoy his grandchildren during this time. Becoming Papaw aka ‘Papa Squat’ brought him back much joy. Bobby lived a full life even though he was gone too soon. We know he is welcomed into heaven by his parents and reunited amidst loved ones with his baby girl by his side once again.
Survived to cherish Bobby is two children; son, Brandon (Alyssa) Buckhave of Milan, and daughter, Michelle (John) Hart of Delhi; five grandchildren: Brady, Baylee, Lexie, Jaxson and, Marleigh; six sisters: Sue Flannery, Pam Byrd, Kay Wakeman, Lindy (Dave) Lipps, Brenda (Mark) Schwab, Tina (Phillip Merkel) Buckhave; two brothers: Gary (Pat) Buckhave, Dale Buckhave; several nieces and nephews, many friends and his girlfriend of 12 Years Jayna Denny.
Bobby was preceded in death by his parents: Donald and Lorraine Miller Buckhave; daughter, Tiffany Buckhave; brother, Ricky Buckhave; brother-in-law, Dannie Flannery; niece, Kari Buckhave and nephew Andy Rehn.
Visitation will be held Friday, July 7, 2023, 10:00 am to 12:00 pm at Cook Rosenberger Funeral Home – 107 Vine St. Sunman. A Mass of Christian Burial with Fr. Meyer officiating will be 1:00 pm at St. Paul Catholic Church New Alsace – 9788 N. Dearborn Rd. Guilford. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.
To send condolences or to sign the online gust book go to www.cookrosenberger.com. The staff of Cook Rosenberger Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Bobby Buckhave.