Robert L. Grimes

Robert Louis ‘Bob’ Grimes passed away at Kingsbury Place in Defiance on February 17, 2026 surrounded by his loving family. He was born in Defiance on September 10, 1937, the middle child of the late Cleo Quinton Grimes and Virginia Mary (Bauer) Grimes. 

Bob was a 1957 graduate of Defiance High School. After graduation, he enlisted in the U.S. Army, serving his country for three years. As part of his service he traveled to Yokohama, Japan and he served in Korea between conflicts there. Bob finished his military service as an SP4, Specialist Fourth Class. Bob married Iola Mae Robinson on February 4, 1960 in Tacoma, Washington. She preceded him in death on March 17, 2018. They complimented each other perfectly, through all the highs and lows of life, living happily together for 58 years. 

Bob worked at Zeller Corp in Defiance, and for an extended time at Emmel's Appliance, as a Maytag appliance repairman. After leaving there in the early 1970’s, he started his own business, Grimes Repair and Installation, doing plumbing and heating until 1981. He began working at the former GH Voigt plumbing and heating supply in 1983, retiring from there around 2001. After retiring, Bob continued to work. He did residential well work, fixing, pulling, and resetting wells. He also repaired old and broken well pumps and he was well known for doing this in and around Defiance. An avid outdoorsman, Bob enjoyed hunting and fishing. He loved getting out on the river to fish, but also enjoyed dropping a line in any pond he could get into. He loved to watch football, and he also loved to bowl and did so for as long as he was able. 

In addition to his parents and his wife, Bob was predeceased by his brother, John Andrew Grimes. 

Bob will be dearly missed by his sister, Sandra Sue (Grimes) Truscelli, as well as by his sons, Tracy Allen (Tara) Grimes, John Andrew (Tina) Grimes, Daniel Dean (Gail) Grimes, and Phillip Patrick (Ashley) Grimes. He will also be greatly missed by his grandchildren, Shaun, Misty, Tom, Mya, Jennifer, Joshua, Natasha, Natarra, Katlyn, Taryn, Cheyenne, Sydnee, and Corbin, as well as by his great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephew. 

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, February 24, 2026 from 2-8 pm at Schaffer Funeral Home in Defiance. A funeral service will be at 11:00 am on Wednesday, February 25th at the funeral home, with Deacon Nick Varano officiating. Bob will be laid to rest in Riverside Cemetery.

Online condolences can be given at www.Schafferfh.com.

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