Robert Eugene High, 77, Rockford, passed away at 3:18 p.m. on Oct. 25, 2013, at Lima Memorial Hospital.

He was born April 10, 1936, to F. Lloyd and Mary (Williams) High in Mercer County. On June 14, 1958, he married Barbara Fulton and they enjoyed 55 years of marriage.

Surviving are his wife, Barb, Mendon, and nephews and nieces, James (Rosar) Bollenbacher, Tim (Beth) Post of California, Dennis (Susan) Potter, Mark (Laya) Post of Michigan, and Jackie Bollenbacher and Tom Franklin of Arizona.

He was preceded in death by three sisters, Margaret Post, Vera Jean Holscher and Dorothy Bollenbacher.

He was a 1954 graduate of Rockford High School and a 1958 graduate of The Ohio State University with a degree in agriculture education. After college, he enlisted in the Army for two years and was stationed with the Armored Division in Fort Knox, Kentucky.

He and his wife operated a dairy farm where they raised Highlun's Guernsey cattle. He finished his working career by working for the Johnson Farm in Mendon for over 20 years.

He was very active in many organizations, including the Mercer County Guernsey Association, Ohio Dairyman's Association, Mercer Soil and Water Conservation, Mercer County Farm Bureau, Spencerville Young Farmer's Association, Ohio Young Farmer's Association, Mendon Lions Club and the Van Wert and St. Marys Amateur Radio Clubs. He was a member of the Mendon United Methodist Church.

He also had many interests outside of farming. He and his wife enjoyed traveling around the United States as well as many international spots. He enjoyed photography and his amateur radio equipment, his call letters being KA8IAF. Mostly, he will be remembered for his willingness to play his keyboard at many of the surrounding nursing homes over the many years.

Services are 11 a.m. Wednesday at the Mendon United Methodist Church, the Rev. Don Clinger officiating.

Calling is 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. Tuesday at Ketcham-Ripley Funeral Home, Rockford, and one hour prior to the service at the church on Wednesday. Burial will follow at Tomlinson Cemetery, Rockford.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Parkway High School Band Boosters in honor of Robert E. High.

Condolences may be expressed at ketchamripley.com.