“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” (2 Timothy 4:7) Bob Read’s faith in Christ defined who he was and how he lived his life. He boldly shared his faith and passionately “fought” for people to pursue Christ. On Monday, November 1, 2021, he finished his race.
Bob was born on June 20, 1955, in Plymouth, IN to James and Barbara Read. He graduated from Plymouth High School and went to Western Michigan University on a wrestling scholarship, graduating with a degree in education. Bob taught science at Plymouth High School and Lincoln Jr High School for 35 years. After retirement, he ventured into raising fish with his dad.
Bob loved the Lord deeply and lived a life that reflected his confidence in Christ. He was a founding member of Crossroads Church, where he spent countless hours discipling and encouraging others in their faith. He prayed fervently for his family, friends, Crossroads Church, and the Plymouth community because his greatest desire was that people would know the purpose God had for them.
After his faith, Bob’s family was his greatest joy. Bob met his wife, Karen, in college and they were married for 42 years. He loved being with Karen. It didn’t matter what they were doing, just that they were together. Bob also loved being with his kids, spending a lot of time on “adventures”, being part of countless events and activities, and giving them a living, day-to-day example of who Christ is. Bob was always an available encourager and confidant for his children. He gave the same love, time, and attention to his three grandsons.
After his faith and his family, Bob most loved the sport of wrestling. He was the head wrestling coach for Plymouth for 39 years and was inducted into the Indiana High School Wrestling Coaches Association Hall of Fame in 2000. Bob was fiercely competitive and pushed his team to excel, but more than winning matches, he wanted his wrestlers to become young men of character and integrity. Everyone who stepped on the mat under his leadership, wrestlers and coaches alike, knew Bob cared for them and wanted to see them succeed in wrestling and in life.
Bob left behind a legacy of faith and love and an example of a life lived passionately pursuing Christ.
Bob is survived by his wife, Karen, three children, Lane (Troy) Grimes, Caroline, Matt (Mary), and three grandsons, Caleb, Sam, Lucas. He is also survived by his father, James W, three brothers, James (Debra), Thomas (Jacqueline), David (Shellie), and numerous nieces and nephews. Bob was preceded in death by his mother, Barbara, and sister, Debra.
Please Note: The family requests that masks be worn at all services attended.
The Visitation will be held Friday, November 19, 2021, from 3-7pm at Crossroads Church, 1650 N. Oak Dr., Plymouth.
A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, November 20, 2021, at 4 pm at Plymouth High School in the Varsity Main Gym, 1 Big Red Drive, Plymouth, IN. There will be no visitation prior to the service.
To view the recording of the memorial service, please follow the link below:
Bob Read Memorial Service (vimeo.com)
In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate memorial donations to Crossroads Church 1650 N. Oak Drive, Plymouth, IN 46563.
Jim & Sally Scobey says
So sorry to hear that Bob has passed but we all know where he is now. We have known Bob almost since he was born and you couldn’t find a more positive man. Along with our kids, he was an inspiration to many setting such a great example. He will be missed by many. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family at this time of loss.
Tom Sibal says
I always admired Bob and how he instilled the value of sportsmanship as wrestling coach. He always wanted his wrestlers to leave the mat with their head high and respectful of their opponent no matter how the match ended. He expected high standards from his team and they respected him and gave him that. I’m proud that my son William was able to grow under his leadership. He will be truly missed.
Ren and Beverly Van Gilder says
Bob was a wonderful man. He touched the lives of many kids, and adults as well, in a positive way. Please know we are thinking of your entire family.
Most sincerely,
Ren and Beverly Van Gilder
Linda Langfeldt says
Karen & family,
Bob was so dedicated to helping busy jr kids!! I fondly remember your girls in my class. Blessings & prayers, Linda Langfeldt
Fred funk says
So sorry about Bob passing. He was loved by the funks. He help both our boys. Very well respect and love by us.
Fred funk says
So sorry about Bob passing. He was loved by the funks. He help both our boys. Very well respect and love by us.
Terry Miller says
I got to know Bob during my years as a wrestling coach at LaPorte H. S. He was an outstanding coach and an even better person! The world is a poorer place for his passing. RIP.
Donna and Jim Burroughs says
Condolences to Bob’s family on his passing. He will always be remembered for his love and dedication to his family and the youth of our community.
Donna Palbykin says
We are so sorry to hear of Bob’s passing. Bob changed so many lives of young men & my son was so grateful for the respect & discipline that Bob taught him during his wrestling years. Bob was family to these boys. May you RIP Bob 🙏🏻
Praying for his family.
Al & Donna Palbykin
Joe McConnell says
We all know Bob on the in-law side via Karen. They and their family traveled 8hrs every year for the Parrott family reunion which originated 1962. Bob married into a wonderful extended family and the feeling was always mutual. Bob’s calm, powerful and positive presence will be sorely missed by the entire clan
Bob & Donna Taber Whitmer says
Sending our deepest condolences for your loss. May he soar with the angles…
Cathy Phend says
Our sincere sympathies to Karen and family. Jim and I have always had the utmost respect for the honorable, kind and generous man Bob was. Our hearts go out to you all. Jim and Cathy Phend
Kristy Rice says
Karen, Lane, Cari, and Matt – Bob was one in a million. His legacy lives on in each of you and his spirit is alive and free. His crown in heaven will surely have many jewels. I am thankful to have known and loved him. Samantha, Damon, and I send our love and prayers to each of you as you grieve this immense loss. We celebrate with you as well as we know where he is. We were all blessed to be led by such a man of God. ❤️💔
Kristy Rice
Angie Rudd says
The Rudd family has been touched by Bob over a few generations. Some of us were classmates, some were mentored by him as our coach and as a Christian, and some were students. The positive roles Bob led in our families’ lives are many. Our deepest condolences to Karen and the entire Read family. May God continue to bless you all.
Marilee Johnson says
My Sincere Sympathy to Bob’s entire Family. I was so very sorry to hear of his passing. Love and Prayers. Marilee Johnson
Robin Roberts says
Celebration and support to the Read family. Bob was a powerful disciple for Christ and his message for everyone always positive. The Roberts family truly has been blessed to know and live close to the Read family. God Bless to the Read family.
Arol & Marcia Ambler says
My name is Arol Ambler, and Bob was 10 years younger than I growing up as cousins, so I was gone when he was only 7. It has made me so proud to be the cousin of such an outstanding man! My wife and I, with our family here in Utah, send our deepest condolences to my uncle, James Read, to Bob’s brothers, Jim, Tom, and Erik, and to his wife Karen, and their children and grandchildren. Bob will be truly missed by so many who admired, appreciated, and loved him! Carry on, Bob, as you have always done, so well!
Judy and Mike Delp says
Rejoicing in Bob’s life and his touch on so so many… lamentations 3:22-23 Because of the Lord’s great love, we are not consumed, for His compassions never fail and they are new every morning… great is His faithfulness… Covering you all in much ❤️ and many 🙏🏻…
Jim and Barb Cox says
Our heartfelt sympathy goes to the entire Read family. Bob was a blessing to so many, especially to his family. He will be truly missed and welcomed into the arms of his Savior.
Vance and Michelle Flosenzier says
One summer while Bib was attending WMU and I was between 8th and 9th grade he took me to some open wrestling meets in Michigan. The Lido Shuffle by Boz Scaggs was really popular and I vividly remember going down the road with the radio blaring in that little sports car he had, both of us shouting ‘Read-O, Oh-oh-oh-oh’ at the top of our lungs! It helped me forget that I lost all my matches badly. Later, I got to wrestle for Bob his first year as head coach. Bob was a great influence in my life. I was always proud to hear of his great successes and influence on others!
Uncle James and Karen…Tom, Jim, Dave, and others, I’m so sorry for your loss.
God bless you,
Vance
Jamie Greenlee says
Coach was a awesome man .God has a great Angel in Heaven .