Robert Bruce Stout, age 88, stepped into Heaven on August 9, 2024. He passed away at home with loved ones by his side. Bob was born April 22, 1936, in Howard City, Michigan. The son of a Baptist Minister, Bob accepted Jesus Christ as his Savior at an early age, and remained grounded in his faith throughout his life.

Bob was the fifth child of Lynn and Margaret Stout. As the youngest child, his older siblings helped take care of him, especially Wenona. The family was close, and raised in a Christian home filled with love, discipline, and the love of the Lord. Wenona, Jack, Mary, and Bill were wonderful siblings, and have all been missed greatly since their passing. Family get togethers were filled with love, and quite the event. Filled with lots of laughter, children, siblings, aunts and uncles, and anchored of course by steady, sincerely loving Grandpa and Gramma Stout.

Bob graduated from Plymouth High School in 1954 and began working for the Wayne County Road Commission at the age of 19. He joined the United States Army in 1955, serving two years at Fort Campbell, Kentucky. He then served as an Army Reservist. Having begun a family in 1960 he was released from reserve service in 1961, and resumed his duties full-time with Wayne County. During his career he received his Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration from Cleary College in 1978. Earning that degree helped him progress with the County, which culminated with his position as Director of Administration, Wayne County Airports. He then retired after 30 years, at the age of 49.

Retiring at such a young age gave Bob the opportunity to pursue many of the things he loved, which included: family activities, travel, visiting National Parks, skiing (both downhill and cross country), camping on the Au Sable River, fly fishing, participating in a senior's hiking club, and many other outdoor activities. Family, local, and national history were strong interests also, and he compiled many photos, documents, and other resources over the years. And, he was service oriented, having donated an amazing 23 gallons of blood to the American Red Cross.

Bob's most recent years have been dogged by a neurological condition that grew progressively worse over time. Eventually he lost the use of his legs and independence. In spite of these recent trials he was able to keep his sense of humor with his caregivers, make new friends, and maintain a friendly disposition. We are grateful that he impacted many during these last few years. Bob will be greatly missed by his family and all who knew him. We have confidence in his Salvation, and that he has been welcomed to heaven by his family, and is now resting, and praising Jesus.

Bob is survived by his children Lisa (Walter) Langlois, David (Connie) Stout, and Justin (Lacey) Bradley; grandchildren Michael Cooley, Tisha (Chris) Essex, Jay Frederick, Zachary Stout, Anna Langlois, and Jackson Bradley; and great-grandchildren Jacob and McKenzie Frederick, Alyssa and Kaylynn Cooley, Logan, Oliver, and Penelope Essex; sister-in-law Mary Stout; and many nieces and nephews and other loving family members and friends.

Bob was preceded in death by: his son, Brian Stout, and his beloved granddaughter Michelle Frederick; his parents, Rev. Lynn and Margaret Stout, his siblings Wenona (and Bill) Barnett, William Stout, John (and Marguerite) Stout, and Mary Maxey (Stout).

A funeral service will be held Thursday, August 15, 2024 at 12:30 pm, at Stark Funeral Professionals. The family will receive friends 9:30 am until time of service (101 S. Washington Street, Ypsilanti). Bob will be laid to rest next to his father and mother at Oakland Hills Cemetery in Novi, MI. in a private ceremony on Friday, August 16, 2024.

In lieu of flowers the family suggests donations be made to The Carpenter's House Church, Packard Rd., Ypsilanti, MI. Donate: The Carpenter's House Church

To view a live stream of the funeral service, click here.