Robert Eugene McIntosh, Sr., 80, of Marietta, Ohio, often referred to by friends and family as "Big Bob", passed away Thursday, July 18, 2013, leaving behind a "big" legacy with the lives he touched. Robert was born Oct. 4, 1932 in Grafton, W.Va., the son of Mary McIntosh Francis and George Francis. He was preceded in death by his loving parents, a sister, Beverly, and a daughter, Diana. Robert had seven children, Joey (Susan) Miller, Robert Jr. (Sondra) McIntosh, Diana Huddleston Bogis, Bryan (Tisha) McIntosh, Connie (Dwain) Hughes, Michael McIntosh, and Mary Ellen (Doug) Lowe. Robert had 16 grandchildren and several great-grandchildren. Brave and courageous from an early age, Robert left home at 17 years old, with his mom's permission, and joined the Navy, even though he couldn't swim. He served in the Korean and Vietnam wars, and somehow escaped service without a single tattoo. In 1984, he purchased the Whipple Tavern in Whipple, and later changed the name to the Wrangler Tavern. The bar is now owned by his son, Bryan. Robert also belonged to the Masons, specifically Harmar #390. Robert retired from Ohio Power AEP and in 2010 and he fulfilled a lifelong dream of purchasing a sternwheeler, which he named, Diana Jean, after his daughter. He loved giving family, friends and even strangers tours of the boat, and he loved spending time with all of his campground friends. He will be dearly missed. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, July 23, 2013 at the Marietta Chapel of Cawley & Peoples Funeral Home, with Owen Stotts officiating. Burial will follow in East Lawn Memorial Park, with full military honors. Visitation will be on Monday from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m., with Masonic services being held at 8 p.m. that evening. Donations may be directed to The Humane Society of the Ohio Valley, P.O. Box 5, Marietta, Ohio 45750.
