Robert David Vorhes

Robert David Vorhes

(March 29, 1948 - July 18, 2024)

Robert David Vorhes, 76, passed away peacefully from complications of dementia on July 18, 2024, in Gahanna, OH. He was surrounded by his loving wife Julie, his daughters Kristy and Heather, immediate family, and his ever-loving caregivers.

Robert was born in Akron, Ohio on March 29, 1948, to Robert and Jewel (Wiggerman) Vorhes. He attended Arch Bishop Hoban High School in Akron, Ohio and graduated in 1966. He met his wife, Julie, at The Ohio State University and they were married on June 13, 1970, in New Carlisle, Ohio. Together they had two daughters, Kristy and Heather. He attended The Ohio State University College of Pharmacy and graduated with his B.S. in Pharmacy in 1973. The family moved to Galloway, Ohio after Bob finished pharmacy school.

Robert may have been his birth name, but those who knew him called him Bob. Those who really knew him called him "Bacon".

Bob's work tenure included his first pharmacy jobs in Lancaster and at Westside Pharmacy in the mid to late 1970s. Bob opened an independent pharmacy named Little Darby Pharmacy in West Jefferson, Ohio in 1978. Little Darby Pharmacy was a staple in the West Jefferson community for over 20 years. During that time period, Bob and Julie also opened two Hallmark Stores, one in Hilliard, OH and one in London, OH as well as a Video Magic movie rental store in West Jefferson, OH. In the early 2000s, Bob sold his independent pharmacy and went on to work for the London Correctional Facility and Merck-Medco as a pharmacist. This was a bit of a pre-retirement phase for Bob, as he no longer would have to be responsible for mountains of paperwork as a business owner. Bob finally hung up his white smock and retired in 2012.

Bob's passion was cooking and entertaining. It wasn't the holiday season without every refrigerator, oven, and screened in porch filled with Bob's culinary classics. He enjoyed everything about food and the holidays. Having a day off from work, cooking great food, being with family, and watching sports on TV was the perfect day for Bob. Through the years, Bacon also loved racing soap box derby, fishing on Lake Erie, building with his grandfather, watching movies with his grandchildren, and directing plays at St. Patrick's in London, Ohio. Bob was a loyal Cleveland Browns football fan his entire life. Bob also loved the Ohio State Buckeyes. One of his most cherished moments was going to watch OSU beat USC in the 1969 Rose Bowl in Pasadena, CA. Bacon managed to get a piece of the football goalpost and bring it home, only to find out his mom threw it out years later, because she didn't realize what it was! Bob will always be remembered for his wonderful sense of humor and witty one-liners. His brother-in-law Tom might question the lack of expiration dates on some of Bob's classic jokes. But Bob would say when you have material that's this good, why change? That was Robert, Bob, Bacon, Grandpa Bob, and Dad in a nutshell. He didn't change much over the years. He was a rock for his family.

Bob is survived by his wife of 54 years, Julie of the family home in Gahanna, his sister, Teresa LeCrone, his daughter, Kristy Scott (Brian) of Blacklick, OH, his daughter, Heather Howell (Steven) of Louisville, KY, five grandchildren, Kennedy, Teague, Dylan, Juliana, Meredith, and 3 grand dogs, Nacho of Louisville, and Barkley & Ozzy of Blacklick. He was preceded in death by his mother and father, brother, Scott Vorhes, and sister, Kathy Vorhes.

To celebrate Bob's love for family, food, and life, a celebration of his life will be held at a later date with details to follow. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that any donations be sent in his honor to St. Francis DeSales High School with "SFD Theatre Dept" in the memo section, 4212 Karl Road, Columbus, OH 43224. Bob was an honest man with a big heart. He truly made the world a better place. The family would ask you to take a moment to call someone who is lonely, listen to an old song, watch a movie with a friend, take a walk in the woods, or pet a dog on the head. This would truly be the greatest honor you could pay him for a life well lived and as a man well loved. The Vorhes family would like to extend its sincere thanks to all family and friends who have been a part of this wonderful ride. To his extended family at Sunrise, words can't express the gratitude we feel towards you. Your love and friendship have meant the world to us.