For those of
you who may not know me, my name is Robert Allen Kinker. I am the stepson of
Robert Lewis Zarbaugh and the oldest son of Janice. June 24, 1978 was an important date in my
life for two reasons. First, as a fourteen year old boy, my father went to be
with the Lord. Second, unbeknownst to me events were being set in motion for an
eventual family connection with Robert Zarbaugh.
On December
21, 1990, as a twenty-seven year-old, I saw something that I thought I would never
see in my life, my mother as a blushing bride.
Robert can never imagine the huge emotional responsibility that was
lifted off my shoulders when my mother found and married another man who cared
for and loved her. Mom also loved Robert with all her heart.
I’ve been
encouraged to see the love the Zarbaughs have had for each other over the years
through both good and bad times. I’ve always felt they were the perfect couple
with his stylish hats, and Mom’s shiny Jesus pins (as pictured in 1999 church
directory photograph).
Robert has
been so intertwined with the major events of my life like the passing of my
brother, Jim, my marriage to my wife, Bobbi, and the birth of my daughter,
Allena, that it’s hard to remember when he wasn’t there just like an unmovable
rock.
As with my
late maternal grandfather, Robert Eagle, every family visit to the Zarbaugh
home ended with Robert encouraging Bobbi, Allena, and I to come back again
soon. Today, Robert is in Heaven breathing deeply and no longer being
encumbered with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) or oxygen tanks. His
passing on October 14, 2011, is now but a distant memory at the splendor of his
new life.
(Me facing the casket)
So long my friend. I truly loved you and will miss you. Don’t worry Bobbi and I’ll
look after Mom. (She misses you already.) You and I know she tends to get
herself in quite a few fiascos. Be assured one day I will meet you in Heaven
with a giant hug. Please take care of all our loved ones that are with you on
the other side.
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