Robert “Bob” Louis Wendell
Robert “Bob” Louis Wendell, 86, of Hillsboro, passed away peacefully Thursday, Nov. 13, 2025, surrounded by his loving family.
He was born Oct. 19, 1939, in Greensburg, Ind., the son of the late Louis Anthony Wendell and Edith Marcellena (Eckstein) Wendell.
Bob was a devoted Catholic and a past member of St. Mary Catholic Church–Our Lady of the Hills in Hillsboro. He was also a current member of St. Mary Queen of Heaven Church in Peebles.
Bob was a 1957 graduate of Sunman High School in Sunman, Ind. In 1959, he began what would become a remarkable nearly 47-year career with the United States Postal Service, serving faithfully as a mail carrier. His dedication, reliability, and commitment to safety earned him the prestigious Million Mile Award for completing his route without a single incident.
Public service was truly at the heart of Bob’s life. In 1961, he joined the Madison Place Fire Department as a volunteer and worked tirelessly through the ranks, ultimately serving as Fire Chief from 1977 to 1995. Following his years as chief, he continued his service as a Fire Marshal for Columbia Township in Cincinnati and also taught EMT classes – becoming highly skilled and respected in the field himself. In recognition of his decades of service and impact on the community, Columbia Township honored him with an official proclamation, establishing Robert Wendell Day.
Above all, Bob will be remembered for his love, honesty, and devotion to his family. He was a proud husband, dad, grandpa, and great grandpa who never missed a chance to show how much he cared. One of his family’s most cherished memories will always be his warm wave from the driveway each time someone headed home – a simple gesture that spoke volumes about his heart.
Bob leaves behind a legacy of service, kindness, and unwavering dedication. His family will forever remember him as their steady, loving presence, and his community will remember him as a true servant-leader who made a lasting difference.
Bob is survived by his loving wife of 64 years, Joyce Wendell, whom he married on July 8, 1961; two children, Brenda Louise (Doug) Robinson and Robert Anthony (Anne) Wendell; six grandchildren, Jimmy Robinson, Jeff Robinson, Robert (Brooke) Wendell, Katie (Eric Armes) Wendell, Josh (Nancy) Schmidt, and Jason (Ariel) Schmidt; nine great-grandchildren, Sophia, Sadie, Robert Jr., Eric Jr., Jordan, Bennett, Everett, Gabby, and Alex; four siblings, Norma Jean Stahley, Ruth (Donald) Beetz, Louis (Diane) Wendell and Shirley (Warren) Tucker; and numerous nieces, nephews, and friends. '
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a daughter, Lori Ann and Randy Schmidt; a grandson, Zachary Schmidt; brother, William and Mary Wendell; and brother-in-law, Edward Stahley.
Visitation will be 10-11 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 20 at the St. Mary Queen of Heaven Church, 205 Wendell Ave., Peebles, Ohio 45660. Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 11 a.m. following visitation at the church.
Burial will take place at a later date at the convenience of the family.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Bob’s name to the St. Mary Queen of Heaven Church, 205 Wendell Ave., Peebles, Ohio 45660.
The Turner & Son Funeral Home and Crematory is serving the family. To leave an online condolence, please visit www.turnerfuneralhomes.cc.