Obituary for Dr. Robert “Bob” Lewis Heacock

Dr. Robert “Bob” Lewis Heacock, 70, of Findlay, Ohio passed away peacefully at home on March 18^th, 2022.

Bob was born October 12, 1951 in Findlay, Ohio to Ralph Waldo and Norma Mae (Gatchell) Heacock.  He grew up in Dunkirk, Ohio with his siblings Diane (Max) Mayberry, Duane (Brenda) Heacock, and Rick (Robin) Heacock.  Bob was an incredibly hard worker. He started a paper route at the age of 10, worked on local farms, and worked at a Lima tire mold factory through college.  He graduated from Hardin Northern in 1969, where he played football.  He met his wife of 50 years, Sherry Sutherland, at the age of 16 watching the greased pig chase at the Hardin County Fair.  

Bob and Sherry were blessed with three children, Jessica (Adam) Auell of Lakewood, Colorado; and Michael (Gretchen) and Timothy (Alicia) of Asheville, North Carolina.  Bob and Sherry have seven grandchildren from the ages of 4 months to 10 years.  Bob was able to hold his first and only granddaughter, Immy, this past December.

Bob graduated from Ohio State University in Biochemistry Magna Cum Laude, Phi Beta Kappa and continued OSU Medical School, graduating Summa Cum Laude.  He completed his residency at Duke University Hospital in Internal Medicine, where he was Chief Resident.  He finished with a fellowship in Gastroenterology.  He remained close with his special Duke friends and their families, continuing yearly North Carolina beach vacations for over 40 years.  He joined Blanchard Valley Medical Associates in Findlay in 1982 and served the community for 38 years.  He was lucky enough to serve with his Nurse, Beth Wilhelm, who put up with him for over 30 years and remained a beloved friend and support after his retirement in early 2021.

Bob never did anything small.  He was very passionate and gifted at his multiple hobbies including woodworking, gardening, bread baking, bee keeping and fishing.  He even planted a forest acorn by acorn that can be viewed from the bay window in his kitchen.  He loved a strong cup of coffee on the back porch with a smoke.  

His biggest passion was caring for others, if it be his patients, his family and friends or a stranger in need.  

Visitation will be held at Coldren-Crates Funeral Home in Findlay on March 22, 2022 from 2:00 -7:00 pm.  A private service will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in memory of Bob to the Colorectal Cancer alliance or the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network.