Robert Heeter, 70, of Osceola, IN, passed away on December 22, at Elkhart General  Hospital. He fought so hard, but COVID-19 took this wonderful husband, father and  grandfather away from us.

He was born on Feb 8, 1950 in Mishawaka to Robert and Bonnie (Frick) Heeter.  Bob graduated from Penn High School in 1969. He served in the army from December  1970 through July 1972 and was an Armor Crewman in Germany for 10 months. After  the army, Bob worked as a silk screen operator for 26 years. Bob then shifted gears  and became a bus driver. He first drove for United Limo, but then found his "favorite  job" driving a school bus. For 14 years, he was known as "Mr. Bob". He loved driving  the kids to and from school. He was also a school bus driver trainer and made many  great friends along the way.

On May 9, 1970, Bob married his best friend, Phyllis Nickerson. Bob is survived by his  beloved wife of 50 years and their 4 children, Dave (Lisa), Mishawaka, IN, Jared (Cori),  Blandford, MA, Danny, Chicago, IL and Juliana (Matt) Crawford, Greenwood Lake, NY.  He was incredibly proud of his 5 grandchildren, Tyler, Wyatt, and Rylie from Blandford,  and Josiah and Olivia from Mishawaka.

Bob loved spending every summer with his children coaching Osceola Little League.  He also enjoyed his many years of being a member of Osceola Community Players.  His wife, children and grandchildren loved him very much and he will be greatly  missed. He is also survived by his brother, Randy (Debbie) and numerous nieces,  nephews, aunts and uncles. Bob was proceeded in death by his parents and his  brother, Freddie, and sister, Connie. Bob will be remembered by his many friends and  family who said he was always smiling.

We ALL are going to miss his smile.

The family is planning to have a memorial to celebrate his life at a future date.