Nov. 8, 1944 – July 30, 2024
Robert “Bob” McBride Reid, 79, of Fulton, passed away on July 30, 2024. Bob was a neighborhood presence for more than four decades, known for his “Happy Birthday!” greeting and running Bob’s Plumbing and Electric; only recently retiring. Bob was a caretaker to many in his lifetime. He cared for his mother for many years and found people in the community to care for; stopping by to check on them, deliver needed items and visit so they were not lonely. He was a true “good neighbor.”
Bob married Martha Stewart on Oct. 2, 1991. Bob was Martha’s repairman, showing up at her door any hour of the day and never charged her more than he knew she could afford, often not cashing her checks. Bob showed up at her door in the summer of 1991 and continued to show up for her until she passed away on June 10, 2024. Bob also was a dedicated stepfather and grandfather.
As a young man, Bob earned the highest Scout honor of Eagle Scout. He was a runner, biker, hiker and walker. He enjoyed adventurous activities like visiting amusement parks, roller skating, snow tubing and cross-country skiing. In later life, Bob enjoyed taking his grandchildren fishing, driving with Martha to look at nature and feeding birds.
Bob volunteered for Donate Life Indiana, driving Martha to BMVs to educate the staff, and volunteered at community events. They particularly enjoyed working at the South Bend Cubs games. Bob took Martha to volunteer at Shepherd’s Closet and Matthew’s Market to help those experiencing food insecurities, homelessness, or needing a helping hand.
Bob is survived by his three stepchildren, Jennifer Martin (Mike), Fulton, Clair Stewart II (Amy), Milford, Mich., and Monica Barnett (Frank), Mason, Ohio; eight grandchildren, Sarah Martin and Johnathan Martin (Hannah), Fulton, Mackenzie Barnett, Brooklyn Barnett and Kyle Barnett, of Mason, Ohio, Tyler Stewart, Lucas Stewart and Adam Stewart, Milford, Mich. Bob had two great-grandchildren, Alivia Martin and Noah Wagoner, Fulton; several nieces, nephews, and his overweight cat, Miss Kitty.
Bob was preceded in death by his wife, Martha; his parents, Harry and Margaret Reid; his birth mother, Lee Etta McBride Reid; his brother, Daniel Reid; and one grandchild, Alex Stewart.
A celebration of life for both Bob and Martha Reid is planned for Oct. 19, 2024, at the Fulton Community Building, 204 E. Dunn St., Fulton. Arrangements are handled by Zimmerman Bros. Funeral Home, Rochester.
