Robert "Bob" Charles Halcombe's Obituary
Robert ‘Bob’ Charles Halcombe was born December 24th, 1968, to Richard Sr. and Doris Ann Halcombe at the Cafritz Memorial Hospital in Washington DC. His mom always said he was the best Christmas present she ever received. Bob was born smack dab in the middle of 5 boys. That was a busy house full of love, chaos, and a few punches thrown. Shortly after Bob was born, his twin-younger brothers came along. They had complex developmental disabilities, and Bob immediately took to his new role as not only big brother, but protector and advocate- living with strong conviction. His heart grew for others, regardless of what they could give him in return. He was known as little Bob to his family, although he never did anything little! From his full-blown interactive stories with different voices and hand gestures, to his willingness to give whatever he had to someone in need- he did great things in a big way.
Bob was a proud graduate of South Point High School. He was a remarkable athlete, teammate, and friend. He held multiple powerlifting records at South Point- bench pressing more than double his weight! After high school Bob attended Berea college where he fulfilled his dream of becoming a teacher. He later earned a master’s degree from Bowie State University in Prince George’s County, Maryland to expand his education and his ability to impact students and education.
Shortly after college graduation Bob, AKA ‘The Incredible HALC’ debuted as a professional wrestler in the Mid-Eastern Wrestling Federation and American Wrestling Federation!
He absolutely was an incredible HALCombe. (He will appreciate this dad joke.)
From college he ventured to the Eastern seaboard where he became a resident and subsequent lifetime visitor of Chincoteague Island. Not only did Bob work full-time teaching at Chincoteague High School, but he also coached football, baseball, and wrestling. And when the students needed a bus driver to take them to their competitions, Bob acquired his CDL license and drove the bus himself! A testament to who he was as a person. Willing to do whatever it takes for the people around him to thrive.
From there he traveled the country in a Toyota Corolla in a solo voyage- he loved that time. He loved exploring and discovering new places. Learning new things that expanded his horizon and stretched his intellect.
When he came back to Chincoteague he met the love of his life, Karen McCloskey! They married in 1996 and it was the celebration of the decade. Bob used to say that Karen was the perfect mix for him, outdoorsy, warm and fun. They had the best time together.
They started their life together in Maryland and fulfilled their dreams of being parents by fostering and eventually adopting 4 boys who they were most proud of. Bob found a great love for crabbing his dad and extended family shared when he moved to Chincoteague and it was one of his greatest joys to share that with his boys. Their favorite family days started around 4am where all the Halcombe boys piled into Bob’s truck with their coveted Dunkin donuts in hand. They were always in the water holding the crab traps waiting for the clock to strike 5:30am so they could drop them. Whether they caught 5 bushels or 5 crabs, this was Bob in his element. Boating with his boys, sometimes this included his dad, brothers and nephews, but each time he loved it. With a quick yell, “bend your knees” he would be off full throttle to the next trap to pull. Bob and Karen loved being out on the water, boating, fishing, and crabbing; it didn't matter what they were doing as long as their family was together. This past summer he got to teach his precious Jordi bug how to crab for the first time. One of his most treasured memories.
After many years teaching, coaching, and loving people on the Atlantic coast, Bob chose to move his immediate family back to Ohio to be closer to family and help care for his aging mom. This is Bob Halcombe; Willing to leave a life on the coast he loved, because he knew moving was the right thing to do for others. God has blessed his life in Ohio abundantly, and what an amazing impact Bob was able to make teaching English at South Point HS. Bob has loved teaching at this high school. He always has a story about a student succeeding he wants to share. Each of his students’ wins, were his wins, and he was so proud of every single one.
Above all, Bob followed Jesus. Not just when it was easy. Not just when everyone around him did. Bob followed after God’s heart in everything he did. Bob didn’t live for recognition, but as someone who reflected Christ through kindness, generosity and grace. He loved big because of the Godly love he knew and experienced. Bob wanted everyone he encountered to know and experience the life changing love of Jesus.
“As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.”
Joshua 24:15
Bob was preceded in death by his dad, Richard Sr. Halcombe; two brothers, David Aaron Halcombe and Don Alan Halcombe; granddaughter Lorelei Halcombe; and nephew Eli Guard.
Bob is survived by his wife of almost 30 years, Karen Halcombe; Four sons; Mark, Tyler, Ronnie and James Halcombe; a precious Jordi bug he loved very much; grandchildren Xane Britton, Alexis Fischer, Sophia Halcombe Hedrick, Skyler Halcombe, Noah Holley, and Cadence Ferguson; his mom Doris Halcombe; brothers Rich (Tina) Halcombe, and James (Jane) Halcombe; brother-in-law John McCloskey; nieces Alyssa Halcombe and Nichole (Zac) Guard-parents of Luke, Eli and Magnolia Guard; nephews Richard Halcombe III (Samantha)-parents of Huck and Heath Halcombe and Nick (Barbara) Halcombe- parents of Adam Halcombe; cousins Nancy and David Michael; and Maryland/DC cousins, along with, friends, students and players who will miss him greatly.
Family and Friends are invited to celebrate Bob’s life and legacy during visitation on Saturday, February 7th, from 11am-1pm at South Point High School with a service to be held immediately following beginning at 1pm. Rev. Mitch Webb, a lifelong friend and minister, will be officiating. Followed by internment at the Rome Cemetery.
Dinner will be provided by Bob & Karen’s home church, Sanctuary of Grace, Proctorville, OH.
Hall Funeral Home and Crematory, Proctorville, OH, is assisting the family with arrangements. Condolences may be expressed to the family at https://ehallfuneralhome.com.
What’s your fondest memory of Robert "Bob"?
What’s a lesson you learned from Robert "Bob"?
Share a story where Robert "Bob"'s kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Robert "Bob" you’ll never forget.
How did Robert "Bob" make you smile?