Robert J. Willoughby, 89, passed away Oct. 14, 2017 at St. Joseph Mercy Hospital, Ypsilanti. Mr. Willoughby was born on April 6, 1928 to Leland W. & Lillian G. Willoughby in Dexter, Michigan. He was raised in Ann Arbor, graduating from Ann Arbor High School in 1949. He received his Bachelors and Masters degrees from the University of Michigan. As an undergraduate, Bob participated in gymnastics and cheerleading. He was the Physical Education Director at Alpena High School until entry into the Army during the Korean Conflict stationed in Germany. Upon return, he taught physical education at the University of Detroit (1955-1956) and at Eastern Michigan University from 1956 until retirement in 1991. At Eastern, not only was Bob a Professor of Physical Education, but for a short time acted as the Gymnastics Coach and Intramural Director. He was a member of Grace Bible Church, University Reformed Church, Knox Presbyterian and InterVarsity Christian Fellowship. Mr. Willoughby’s hobbies included golfing, bowling, badminton, tennis, fishing and hunting. Bob also served as a board member for Cedar Campus for many years.
Mr. Willoughby is survived by his sons, David, Jim (Jean) and Alan (Nancy) Willoughby along with his sister, Barbara Spencer. Earlier this year, Bob lost his beloved wife, Myrtle. They were married August 4, 1950 after meeting in a U of M InterVarsity Christian Fellowship Group and through attending Grace Bible Church.
A memorial service will be held for Robert on Saturday, October 28. Visiting starts at 9:00 a.m. with the service at 10:00 a.m. at Knox Presbyterian Church, 2065 S. Wagner Rd. Ann Arbor, MI 48103
Friends wishing to honor Mr. Willoughby with a donation may do so at Samaritan’s Purse (www.samaritanspurse.org) or InterVarsity Cedar Campus 1128 South Cedar Campus Road, Cedarville, Michigan 49179 (www.cedar.intervarsity.org).
Please share a memory of Bob with his family at his online guestbook.
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