Robert (Bob) Earl Wakeland, 79, Columbia City, passed away at 11:49 a.m. Sunday, Oct. 30, 2016, surrounded by his loving family.

Robert Wakeland was born March 16, 1937 in Rochester, a son of Wilson Mearl and Margaret (Nicoll). He graduated from Plymouth High School.

On June 26, 1971 he was married to Karen Sanders and moved to Columbia City, where he had lived for 41 years.

He retired from ITT Aerospace Optical Division in 1997, where he had been an engineer for 22 years. Prior to that, he worked at General Electric as a Supervisor in Specialty Motors division. In his retirement he prepared taxes at H&R Block in Columbia City for several years.

Bob was an active member of Collins United Methodist Church. Always optimistic, he was a lifelong Cubs fan, loved golf and travel; along life’s way he made many friends.

He is survived by his wife of 45 years, Karen of Columbia City; his children: Michael of Austin, Texas; Michelle (Jamie) Bevins of Cleveland Heights; Melinda (Steve) Kincade of Indianapolis; Kira (Michael) Sturgis of Churubusco; Keli (Chadwick) Hankee of Roanoke; and Holly Lyttle, of Tampa, Fla.; his grandchildren: William Wakeland, John Wakeland, Matthew DeGulis, Kevin DeGulis, Mackenna Bevins, Sarah Kincade, Mark Kincade, Grant Sturgis, Davis Sturgis and Miranda Sturgis; his brother Jay (Pam) Wakeland; along with many nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews and cousins who all loved him.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Mearl and Margaret Wakeland; siblings, Muriel, Gary, Doris Swank, Judy Smith; daughter-in-law, Christine and by his grandson, Calvin Sturgis.

Memorial services will be held at 4 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 5 at Collins United Methodist Church, 5524 East Dorland, Columbia City, with Pastor Larry Schmoekel, officiating.

The family will receive friends at the Collins United Methodist Church from 1-4 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 5.

Burial will be in the Eel River cemetery at a later date.

Memorials may be to the Collins Church, the Whitley County SPCA, or to the individual’s favorite charity.