Bobby Eugene Koontz, 87, of Grove City, Ohio, a devoted husband, supportive dad, awesome Papa, and a truly great friend to many, passed away peacefully on April 25, 2026, after a 17-year battle with Parkinson’s.
He left his earthly home and departed for heaven just 16 days shy of his 88th birthday.
Mr. Koontz was born May 11, 1938, in Brandywine a son of the late Hobert and Sadie Koontz.
He was a graduate of Franklin High School in Franklin.
Something interesting about him is that he was born on May 11, but the doctor did not visit the home to sign his birth certificate until the next day on May 12, so while his official birthday is recognized by the state as May 12, the family has always celebrated his true date of birth on May 11.
He was a truck driver and retired from the Teamsters Union Local #413 in 1991 after 32 years of service, at the age of 53. The majority of his career was spent driving for the Commercial – Lovelace Motor Freight Company then the Carolina Motor Freight company.
The love of his life, Dolores I. (Litman) Koontz, with whom he shared 61 glorious years in holy matrimony, preceded him in death.
They had three children, Teresa (Mike) Janks of Blacklick, Ohio, Carolyn (John) Harter of Thornville, Ohio, and Robby (Jennifer) Koontz, of Grove City, Ohio; seven grandchildren, Kimberly, Ryan, Jason, Justin, Kyle, Brooklynn and Brandi; and eight great-grandchildren: Kailey, Brody, Blake, Karter, Riley, Jaxson, Mason, and Via.
He was one of seven children and is survived by his sister, Phyllis (Jerry) Heavner of Franklin and brother, James (Glenna) Koontz of Brandywine.
He was also preceded in death by a sister, Barbara Koontz; and three brothers, Roger Koontz, Jesse Koontz, and Jack Koontz, Sr.
A funeral was held Saturday at the Jerry Spears Funeral Home of Hilliard in Hilliard, Ohio. Interment followed at Greenlawn Cemetery in the Chapel Mausoleum. The service was presided over by his brother-in-law, Pastor Earl Litman. His favorite Bible verse was John 3:16.
Memorial donations may be made to Hospice of Ohio, the Parkinson’s Foundation or Meals on Wheels/Lifecare Alliance.
