Robert B. Ellis Sr., 82, of Bowling Green, Ohio passed away peacefully on January 11, 2026. He was born on February 24, 1943, in Toledo, Ohio, to the late Bernie and Edith (Krauzer) Ellis.
Bob was born and raised in Toledo, and he was a proud 1962 graduate of Macomber High. On August 20, 1966, he married the love of his life Dorothy (Bylow) Ellis, with whom he shared nearly 60 years of marriage, building a family grounded in love, faith, and devotion. Bob served in the United States Navy during the Vietnam era as a Metalsmith aboard the USS Cadmus, which provided vital support to the U.S. Naval fleet as a repair ship. After his Navy service concluded, Bob and Dorothy settled into civilian life, with Bob putting his mechanical skills to use as a Truckdriver. He spent his career driving for various companies including Jones Transfer, Pacific Intermountain Express, and Roadway, where he ultimately retired after 30 years of service.
In 1995, after the birth of their first grandchild, Bob and Dorothy moved to Florida where they would spend the next 25 years. There, Bob was a devoted member of Silver Springs Shores Christian Church, where he made it his personal responsibility to maintain and clean the baptismal, exemplifying the quiet but steady love and care he gave to those around him. Family was the most important thing to Bob, followed only by his love for building and racing slot cars. Building slot cars gave him the perfect opportunity to apply his engineering skills and creativity, allowing him to design and create with both precision and imagination. As his grandchildren grew, Bob particularly enjoyed creating funny and unique personalized cars to represent them, their interests, and their personalities. Bob had an affinity for anything with wheels- whether it was riding motorcycles in his youth, taking 4-wheeler rides with his son Steve, or enjoying bike rides with his sons Tom and Bob. He cherished these moments not only for the thrill but also because they allowed him to spend quality time with his family.
Bob will be remembered for his love, dedication, and silly sense of humor.
In addition to his loving wife Dorothy, Bob is survived by sons Robert Ellis Jr. of Bowling Green, and Steven (Jennifer) Ellis of Ocala, Fl., daughter Suzanne (Robert) Piasecki, brothers Bernie and David Ellis, sister Lesa Ellis, and grandchildren Gage Ellis, Chase Ellis, Cole Ellis, Robert Piasecki III, Rachel Piasecki, Olivia Ellis, Samantha Piasecki, and Hope Piasecki.
In addition to his parents, Bob was preceded in death by son Thomas Ellis, and sister Lana Ellis.
Memorial contributions may be made in Robert’s memory to a charity of the donor’s choice.
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Dunn Funeral Home located in the Historical District of Bowling Green, Ohio at 408 W. Wooster St. 43402.
To share an online condolence or fond memory with the family, please visit www.dunnfuneralhome.com.
