Robert L. ‘Bob’ McKinzie, Sr., 58, passed away at 11:52 p.m. Wednesday, March 5, 2014, when he tragically, yet heroically, lost his life in his Coesse, (Columbia City), Ind., home fire that also claimed the life of his son-in-law, Rick Niemann

He was born June 19, 1955, in Seymour, Ind., to Ervin McKinzie and Marjorie (Bush) McKinzie. He attended Huntington North High School, Huntington, Ind. He served in the United States Army. On Sept. 1, 1973, he was married to Cherie Shively, in Huntington.

He lived in Coesse for 7 years after moving from Warsaw, Ind. Robert worked in the shipping department at Dalton Foundries for 34 years. He was a member of the United Steel Workers Local 6805 and was a board member of the Dalton Club. He bowled league on Sunday nights at Gilliam Bowling Lanes in Warsaw. Bob was a responsible man who was happy go-lucky and carefree. He was an avid fisherman. A big football fan, he also loved watching old westerns – especially of John Wayne. He was a “Mr. Fix-It” who always had a project going. An optimist, Bob always woke up smiling and went to bed smiling. He was a great dad who loved and cared for his whole family, and although competitive by nature, he had fun playing kickball in the yard with them. Bob was a proud man who enjoyed going to the sporting events and school activities of his grandchildren. Bob was very well liked and will be greatly missed by many.

He is survived by his wife; two sons: Robert L. (Rita) McKinzie, Jr., Columbia City; Troy McKinzie, Mentone, Ind.; two daughters: Trina L. (David) Burkett, Tippecanoe, Ind.; Heather Niemann, Columbia City; 14 grandchildren; three sisters: Melinda (Charles) Ferguson, Huntington; Janet (Rich) Doersher, North Webster, Ind.; Rosey Lee Lee, Bippus, Ind.;

He was preceded in death by his son-in-Law: Rick Niemann; and his parents.

Visitation will be held from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Monday, March 10, at Titus Funeral Home in Warsaw.

Memorial contributions may be directed to Barbee Lakes Conservation Club, 3890 N. 700 E., Warsaw, IN, 46582.

To sign the guest register or leave online condolences, visit the Titus Funeral Home website.