Donald Robert "Bob" Mcneish

Donald Robert "Bob" McNeish, age 91, of Zanesville, went to be with his lord and savior on Monday, August 20, 2012 after a long illness. He was a resident at Forest View Health Campus for the past 11 years. Bob was born on March 29, 1921 in Madison Township, a son to the late William Robert and Marguerite Gus McNeish. He was one of seven children: five boys and two girls. He attended school in a one room school in Adams Township and went on to graduate from Lash High School in 1939. After high school, Bob traveled with the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), planting trees in the mountains of Oregon. Bob and Beatrice E. Waters were married on the 10th of September, 1942, by Rev. John Kinney at the Grace M. E. Parsonage. Mr. McNeish was a Corporal in the Army Corps during WWII. Most of Bob's service was with the 13th Air Task Force Jungle Group in the South Pacific. His service was as a Radio Corps man in the Signal Corps and then as a parachute rigger. Bob's unit was involved in many battles, for which he was awarded 13 campaign silver and bronze battle stars and numerous unit battle citations, in addition to the Good Conduct Ribbon. Bob was a fourth generation veteran whose family served their country with pride and respect. Bob owned his own professional carpet laying and cleaning business and had many satisfied customers that would only use his services. He was also employed with Armco Steel (Zanesville Plant) for 23 years, retiring in 1976. Bob could do almost anything with his hands; in 1964 he finished building his home, doing the plumbing, electric work, hard wood flooring, concrete, and all the other tasks required in building an all electric home. Mr. McNeish was a master fisherman who greatly enjoyed spending his spare time out of doors. Bob could catch fish where no one else was catching. While most fishermen used live bait, Bob would fish the same location using only artificial bait and still catch more fish. Bob fished from Canada to Florida and everywhere in between. He once caught a 15 pound carp on artificial bait in swift water and landed the fish. He enjoyed working in the garden, just like his father, using the earth to grow food for family consumption. In addition to his other hobbies, Bob enjoyed oil painting, teaching himself how to mix colors and build texture and depth, producing many nature paintings. He was also a self taught violinist, having taught himself to play by note. He played his violin and his wife sang many songs which they taped. Surviving in addition to his wife, Beatrice, are their three children, Donald Robert McNeish Jr., Gary Lee McNeish, and Patrick William McNeish; eight grandchildren; seventeen great grandchildren; many many great great grandchildren; and a brother, John Charles McNeish. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by three brothers, Edwin James McNeish, Clyde Frederick McNeish, Pastor Richard Leroy McNeish; and his sisters Doris Pauline Hittle and Wilma Louise Ford. Friends and family may call from 2:00-4:00 and 6:00-8:00 p.m. Thursday, August 23, 2012 at Bolin-Dierkes Funeral Home, 1271 Blue Avenue, Zanesville, where funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, August 24, 2012 with Rev. Phillip Walker officiating. He will be laid to rest at Zanesville Memorial Park Cemetery with full military honors by the United States Army in conjunction with the VFW George Selsam Post #1058. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Animal Shelter Society, 1430 Newark Road, Zanesville. The McNeish family would like to thank all the staff members of Forest View Health Campus and Good Samaritan Hospital for all of their care. To send a note of condolence, order flowers or sympathy food for the McNeish family www.bolin-dierkesfuneralhome.com

Visitation

Thursday, August 23, 2012 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Bolin-Dierkes Funeral Home
1271 Blue Avenue Zanesville 43701, United States

Visitation

Thursday, August 23, 2012 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Bolin-Dierkes Funeral Home
1271 Blue Avenue Zanesville 43701, United States

Funeral Service

Friday, August 24, 2012 11:00 AM
Bolin-Dierkes Funeral Home
1271 Blue Avenue Zanesville 43701, United States