Robert Russell Sykes

Robert Russell Sykes went from his home in Litchfield, MI, to his heavenly home unexpectedly on March 10th, 2024 surrounded by his family after sharing with them one last Sunday fish dinner. He was born July 11th, 1937 to Russell and Frances Iva (Terpenning) Sykes in Saginaw MI. The 6th of six children. He is proceeded in death by his parents, three brothers: Lester, Morris, Jay, and sister Margaret Rogers. He is survived by sister Doris Joyce of Georgia.

Robert was mostly a quiet man but he enjoyed sharing stories from his childhood. His family moved from Saginaw to the farm on Brown Rd. in North Parma in 1945. He attended the one room Campbell School. He graduated from Springport High School in 1955 and joined the Air Force that fall after the corn harvest. He loved his parents, remained close to his siblings and was very proud of where he came from.

During his enlistment Robert was stationed for 18 months at Nouasseur Air Force Base in Morocco Africa working as an airplane mechanic on fighters and bombers. It was there he bought an engagement ring for his high school sweetheart, Jean Hammond.

Upon his return Robert and Jean were married on February 8th, 1958. He is survived by Jean and they were privileged to have celebrated their 66th wedding anniversary together very recently with a large gathering of friends and family.

Together they moved to Fort Worth Texas to finish out his service. When he was discharged they returned to the family farm. Their children are David (Margaret) Sykes, Gary (Lori) Sykes, Debra (Scott) Barrington, and Carl (Cheryl) Sykes.

In 1967 Robert and Jean moved their family to Litchfield MI where he spent 31 years working for the local telephone company. After his retirement in 1998 they bought a home in Palmetto, Florida and spent their winters there.

Robert was a faithful member of the Litchfield United Methodist Church. He loved working in his vegetable garden. He enjoyed restoring his dad’s antique John Deere tractors. He loved his and Jean’s twice yearly fishing trips to Canada with family and friends. He enjoyed playing cards with his grandchildren and Florida friends.

Robert has 11 grandchildren: Sean Sykes, Adrianne Sykes, Chris Sykes, Geoffrey (Courtney) Sykes, Kelcee Sykes, Sarah (Shane) Morgan, Anna (Buddy) Reed, Carla (Derek Vermeersch) Barrington, Amy Barrington, Stephen (Kacy Hersha) Sykes, Jessica (Dale) Brown. He is proceeded in death by step-grandson Robert Barrington.

In addition to his grandchildren Grampa Robert leaves behind many cherished great grandchildren whom he found helpful and entertaining and for whom he always had a special hug.

He was an intricate part of the woven fabric of his family, he died the way he lived, surrounded by the family he loved and who loved him. We will be forever changed without him but look forward to seeing him again someday.

The family will receive friends for visitation on Friday, March 15, 2024 from 4-7 PM at the Eagle Funeral Home-George White Chapel in Litchfield. Funeral services for Robert Sykes will be held Saturday, March 16, 2024, at 2:00 PM at Watson Funeral Home in Parma, MI with Rev. Lori Sykes officiating. Burial will follow at Campbell Cemetery in Parma.

Memorial contributions are suggested to S.A.F.E (Springport Area Foundation for Education, PO Box 83, Springport, MI 49284).

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