Lifelong Fulton County farmer, Mr. Robert C. "Bob" Tobey 77, of Rochester passed away Friday, April 20, at Hickory Creek of Rochester. Bob was born on September 15, 1934, in Fulton County, the son of Howard and Mary Newell Tobey. Growing up he shared his childhood with a brother Thomas, and two sisters, Jane & Phyllis. As a young man Bob attended the Woodrow School for eight years. During his freshman year he began attending Rochester High School. A member of the RHS football team, Bob graduated with his class of 1952. Embracing agriculture during his youth, Bob was a charter member and one of the founders of the Rochester High School Future Farmers of America Chapter. He loved judging livestock in FFA and enjoyed attending fairs around northern Indiana to just visit the livestock barns and take in visual images of all of the animals he would see. Bob was also a 10 year member of Fulton County 4-H. With great pride Bob showed the Jersey Calf at the Indiana State Fair. He also showed a hog he raised at our county fair that was recognized as Grand Champion Hog. He was an active participant in the Hoosier Quality Wether Shows. During his youth, Bob developed a strong work ethic and a passion for agriculture. Each day there were many chores and with great dedication he addressed them meticulously and on time. Among his prized livestock were a fine herd of Jersey cows, and Chester White hogs. Their farm also produced beans, hay and corn. On November 25, 1955, at the Evangelical United Brethren Church, present home of Trinity, Bob married his best friend and the love of his life Shirley Colleen Wagoner. Together they shared 56 years of love, family and adventures in life. Their union produced two beautiful daughters, Debbie and Lee Ann. Sadly Debbie, age 14, passed in September of 1970. Over the years the family tree flourished with the additions of two grandchildren, Amy and Burke. Bob and his family are excited with the thoughts of the imminent arrival of the 4th generation in early May, now known as Baby Ott. During the late 1950's, more livestock was added to the farming operation including purebred Shropshire sheep, and Hereford/Simmental beef cattle. White Emden geese also inhabited the farm and one year more than 300 went to Chicago for the holidays. Some will remember Bob during the planting and harvest season perched on top of his International 806 or his 1952 N - Ford tractor. There are many fond memories with Bob on the farm. One is the "green bean processing day," a true production line. The entire family would provide a team effort to harvest the green beans, snap, and wash prior to canning the delicious veggies that would be enjoyed by all thru the winter to early spring. Another prominent memory is "Wash Day," an annual event just prior to the arrival of Fulton County 4 - H week. Bathing and grooming their sheep, hogs and geese so they would be attired in their finest for their judging day! There was no better cattle caller or bird caller than Bob as his calls could be heard all over the neighborhood. Over the years Bob enjoyed many aspects of horticulture. He planted a beautiful variety of flowers that enhanced the landscape of his home, exploding with bloom throughout the summer and fall seasons. He is best remembered for his ability to grow Zinnias. With a touch of craftsmanship he would arrange fresh flower bouquets or incorporate a grapevine wreath with a touch of fresh cut flowers to share with family, neighbors and special friends. One year 20 Shropshire lambs bred and born on Tobey Farms were found in seven different counties. Bob was accomplished with his "favorite" tools of the trade, binder twine and bailing wire. A memorable 4-H accomplishment occurred during Burke's show tenure. Taking nearly three and a half decades, Tobey Farms was the proud home of the Fulton County Grand Champion and Reserve Grand Champion Ewes and Grand Champion Dam and Daughter; a clean sweep, a rare achievement for any farming operation. In 2008 the state of Indiana recognized Tobey farms with a Centennial award as the farm had been owned by the family for over 100 years as it was established by family in 1894. Bob witnessed his dream of his grandchildren competing at the Indiana State Fair with Shropshire's and Chester Whites for 11 years. He also showed in the open event two times. Bob and Burke and Amy all represented Tobey farms at the International Livestock Expo in Louisville on several occasions, showcasing some of their finest sheep and hogs. Bob was a 77 year member of the Trinity United Methodist Church. He and Shirley were members of the Come - Join - Us Sunday School Class. There were many memories of hayrides, wiener roasts and New Year's celebrations with the class. Bob was a devoted member of the Fulton County Republicans serving Precinct #7 as committeeman during the 60's and 70's. Other memberships include the Fulton County Farm Bureau, Fulton County Purebred Breeders Association, member and past president of the Shropshire Breeders Association, National Shropshire Breeders Association, Fulton County Extension Board serving a 15 year stint,and Fulton County Sheep Committee for +50 years, serving as sheep superintendent during the 1960's and early 1970's. Bob led the Woodrow Sodbusters for over 45 years as leader. As a young man he was a member of the Indiana Jersey Registry and the Chester White Registry. In addition to farming Bob worked for the Farm Bureau Coop as bulk delivery driver for 17 years. Later he worked for the State Highway Department also for 17 years, retiring in 2000. He told many stories of his adventures driving the plows clearing the Indiana highways making Hoosier driving safe. To relax, he and Shirley looked forward to their annual November trek to Louisville, home of the International Livestock Exposition. Bob is lovingly remembered by his wife Shirley at home, daughter Lee Ann Tobey Eizinger and husband Tim of Rochester, 2 grandchildren Eric and Amy Eizinger Ott of Greenfield, and Burke and Tasha Eizinger of Syracuse, a sister Jane Halterman, a brother Thomas Tobey, an Aunt Dorothy Tobey Horn, and several nieces, nephews and cousins. Preceding him in death are a beloved daughter, Deborah Sue Tobey on September 1970, a sister Phyllis and his parents.