Robert Leon Guyer "Bob"

Robert Leon Guyer “Bob” of Woodbury was “touched by the finger of God and slept” on Feb 6, 2023. For 94 years he danced and played hard until his heart finally gave way shortly before his departure. Even in his final hours he laughed, joked and could still deliver a tight-grip, “electrician handshake” that he will always be remembered for (especially by all those who were on the receiving end-ouch).

On May 18, 1928, “Bobby” was born to Wineland and Dorothy (Kagarise) Guyer and was the firstborn Guyer grandchild of Nelson and Elisabeth Guyer. He was delivered by Dr. Stayer and Nurse Belle Clouse on Nelson’s Woodbury homestead farm. Both he and his beloved sister, Doris, grew up with many adventures on his parents’ small chicken farm just a stone’s throw away from their Grandfather Nelson’s large chicken farm.

On Sept. 1, 1950, Bob married Ruth Evelyn Weitzel. She preceded him in death Oct. 6, 1977, along with his son, Ryan, and grandson, Jeremy.

He is survived by his cherished special friend, Linda Smith, as well as her loving family, both of whom were a Godsend in his life.

Bob’s children will forever be thankful for their Christian upbringing, camping adventures and life lessons that continued throughout their lives. Bob is survived by his son, Rodney (Cheryl) of Roaring Spring, daughter, Risa Clapper (Barry) of Locust Grove, VA, and Robert II (Dana) of Dillsburg, and daughter-in-law, Betty Guyer of Ashburn, VA. “Pap” will be sadly missed as well by grandchildren: Kelly, Angie, Drew, Frank, Marissa, Cassondra, Shawn and Patrick, and six great-grandchildren. He also leaves behind his sister, Doris Hershberger of Martinsburg, with whom he ate out every week and spoke to daily.

Bob was a life-long member of the Woodbury Church of the Brethren where his grandfather Nelson was a lay minister. Bob served as deacon, choir member and adult Sunday school teacher. In his later years, he attended and sang in the choir at St. Matthew Lutheran Church with his dear Linda. Bob had a strong, fearless tenacity for sharing his spiritual beliefs. He put this into action by dispersing Gideon bibles and delivering church bulletins to shut-ins. In his later years, community involvement, prayer breakfasts, gardening and eating out were his primary pleasures and in earlier years he loved hunting, fishing, biking, bowling and golf.

Bob graduated from Woodbury High School in 1946, followed by electrical school in Chicago. Thus began his legacy as “one of the best electricians in the Cove”. In 1956 he was elected to be on the Board of Directors for New Enterprise Rural Electric Cooperative. He served on the board for 65 years, including several years as president. He also served as a New Enterprise Co-op representative to the PA Rural Electric Association Board. In 2008 he was awarded the distinguished PREA Eminent Service Award.

Bob was an Army veteran, stationed at Walter Reed Hospital during much of the Korean Conflict. His medical knowledge acquired through active duty transferred into a 25-year career as an X-Ray technician at Nason Hospital. He continued his residential and farm electrical service business as well.

At 92, Bob finally retired from crawling under buildings, fishing electric wires, climbing high ladders and electric poles. His diligent work ethic began at age 12 by rising early each morning to milk cows on Glenn Guyer’s farm before heading off to school. He always woke up with purpose and drive.

His golden years involved daily walks, working out in his home gym and solving two daily sudoku puzzles.

Robert Guyer didn’t believe in sitting around and doing nothing. He was always active, happy, positive, and content. He was a giver and not a taker. He never alienated himself from his community but went out of his way to serve.

Community activities included: NBC School Board Director, Boy Scout mentor, Cove Community Chorus, Martinsburg Booster Member, DESA Life Member and Chaplain, and 15 years as a Gideon with Gideons International, Blair South Camp.

A funeral was held Tuesday, Feb 14, 2023, at the Woodbury Church of the Brethren. Pastors David Ulm, Larry Graybill and Traci Marriott officiated. The New Enterprise Rural Electric Cooperative lead the procession to Dry Hill Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Robert’s name can be made to Gideons International--Blair South Camp, PO Box 284, Martinsburg PA 16662.