Robert "Bob" Stanley Hench

Robert S. Hench, of Carlisle, passed away peacefully in his sleep on October 1, 2019, after a brief illness. He was anxious to be reunited with his beloved wife Pauline after twelve years of separation.

“Bob” was born to William Saylor and Lottie Paxton Hench on July 19, 1924, the middle child of a family of nine children. He grew up during the depression when the family would make flour and water gravy to get by, yet always being thankful and happy.

At the age of eighteen, he enlisted in the Navy, following several older brothers into service. He was assigned to the USS Bataan naval aircraft carrier, which fought and won numerous battles in the Midway Islands. As an aviation metalsmith 3rd class, he signaled fighter jets taking off and landing in combat from the ship. He served four years during WWII and was honorably discharged at which time he returned home to his sweetheart. Bob and Polly were married on August 31, 1946 and bought their first and forever home three years later. He pursued a career in auto mechanics, working for the Oldsmobile, Buick, Cadillac industry until his retirement. They raised three rambunctious children, Bryon, Debra, and Kevin, and attended the United Methodist Church for seventy years.

Bob was a humble man, loved people, mentored everyone he met, loved flowers, baked and cooked every day after his wife’s passing until the very end of his days. He loved life and remained independent and sharp for all of his 95 years.

He is preceded in death by his parents, his wife, six siblings and son-in-law Randy Merrill.

He is survived by two brothers, a sister, five grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, numerous nieces and nephews and many friends.

Bob has left a beautiful legacy and will be greatly missed.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Hoffman Funeral Home and Crematory, 2020 West Trindle Road, Carlisle, PA 17013.