BURTON – Clyde Robert “Bob” McCullough, 89, of Burton, passed away peacefully on Sunday July 17, 2016.
Bob McCullough was born in Massillon, on April 8, 1927, to the late Albin C. and Margaret V. (nee Zilke) McCullough. He was raised in Claysville, Pa.
He is a World War II veteran, who proudly served in the U.S. Army Air Corps. He attended Washington & Jefferson College, transferring to Muskingum College, where he met his beautiful wife, Mary Ruth Hoag. They were married on Aug. 23, 1952, in Norwalk, Conn. Bob earned his Master’s degree from Kent State University.
Bob became a Biology teacher, teaching at Jefferson Union, Burton, and West Geauga High Schools, retiring in 1990.
Bob was very involved in his community. He was an active member of Burton Congregational Church UCC, since 1955. He was a director of the Geauga Teachers Credit Union, later becoming past president of Geauga Credit Union.
He was a volunteer for Geauga Park District, later being appointed as a park board director. He saw the parks grow from two parks to 18 public parks during his 48 years there. Bob’s passion was to preserve and protect the rare natural habitat of Geauga County.
He was also a past president of the Burton Friends of the Library and the Geauga County Retired Teachers Association.
Bob was an active birder who organized and compiled the National Audubon Society’s Christmas Bird Count in Geauga County for many years. He passed his passion for birding and the Great Outdoors to all of his children, their families and all who knew him.
He was preceded in death by his sister, Jean Strott (David, also deceased); and sister-in-law, Virginia Kintzel (Alvin).
Surviving is his young bride of 63 years, Mary R. (nee Hoag) McCullough. Father of C. Robert Jr. (Floricita), John W. (Dorice), Rebecca A. Strong (Parker Sr.), David L. and Richard A. (Barbara). Grandfather of C. Robert McCullough III, Derek Perry, Haeley McCullough, Aaron Strong, Rachel Strong, Parker (PJ) Strong Jr., and Katelyn McCullough. Brother of John (Jeanie), Edward, (Barbara) and Ernest (Nila) McCullough. Uncle and Great-Uncle of many.
A memorial service for Bob will be held at Burton Congregational Church, 14558 W Park St., Burton, on Saturday, July 23 at 11 a.m. A private burial will be held at another time.
The family would like to thank Hospice of the Western Reserve and Burton Health Care for their loving care.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Burton Congregational Church, Burton Public Library or Foundation for Geauga Parks.
Russell-Sly Family Funeral Home was entrusted with Bob’s arrangements. Condolences and memories can be shared with the family at www.russellslyfh.com.