Bob Magness, 81

Robert F. Magness, age 81, of Sturgis, passed away Monday evening, Dec. 9, 2013, at Borgess Pipp Hospital in Plainwell.

He was born April 14, 1932, in Baltimore, a son of the late Charles and Helen (Wolf) Magness.

Bob resided in Sturgis since 1975, coming from Michigan City, Ind. His early life was lived in Baltimore. He was a graduate of parochial and public schools in Baltimore and received a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Baltimore in 1957.

In November 1954, he married Annette Moore in Baltimore.

Bob entered active military service in January 1951 and was released from active duty three years later. He was a lieutenant of parachute infantry at the time of his release from active military service. He entered the Army National Guard and served for 25 years in both the Maryland and Indiana National Guard. He retired as a battalion commander of combat engineers with the grade of lieutenant colonel.

In civilian life, Bob was employed in both the steel and iron business for 40 years. He ended his business career as vice president of manufacturing of the Sturgis Foundry Corporation in 1997.

Bob was a member of Holy Angels Catholic Church in Sturgis, Knights of Columbus Deacon Jerry Mix Council #2508 and was a member of a writing group in northern Indiana. He enjoyed pistol shooting and was a talented writer of fiction.

He is survived by his wife, Annette; two daughters, Judy (Jack) Tracy of Brentwood, Tenn., and Victoria Magness of Nashville, Tenn.; two sons, Mark Magness and Matthew Magness both of Elkhart, Ind.; two grandchildren, Jacqueline Negretti of Knoxville, Tenn., and Nichole Negretti of Brentwood, Tenn.; a great-granddaughter, Jollie Mai; a brother, Charles Magness of Baltimore; and nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and a sister, Elizabeth Magness, who died in 1942.

The family will receive friends from 5-7 p.m. Thursday at Hackman Family Funeral Homes — Rosenberg Chapel, 807 E. Chicago Road, Sturgis, where the Rosary will be recited at 6 p.m. Thursday. The funeral Mass celebrating the life of Robert F. Magness will be held at 1 p.m. Friday at Holy Angels Catholic Church in Sturgis. The Rev. Father German Perez-Diaz will officiate. A graveside committal will follow the service at Oak Lawn Cemetery in Sturgis. Full military honors will be conferred by the U.S. Army Honor Guard and Captain John J. Kelley Post #1355 VFW.

The family suggests those wishing to make a memorial donation in Mr. Magness’ memory consider Holy Angels Catholic Church, 402 S. Nottawa St., Sturgis, MI 49091.

His obituary is also at www.hackmanfamilyfuneralhome.com, where personal messages of support may be left for the family.