Robert M. Avery, 72, went into the loving arms of his Savior on January 4, 2015, with his loved ones surrounding him at Borgess Hospital in Kalamazoo, after bravely confronting and fighting cancer. He was born on August 13, 1942, in Muskegon, Mi, the son of Edward A. Avery and Donna (Abbott) Avery.
Bob had various occupations throughout his life starting out as supervisor for Eider Bailey Janitorial Cleaning Service managing offices in Lansing, Battle Creek and Marshall. Primarily he was a knight of the open road as an independent truck driver. For the last 20 years he worked for Tritton Industries, in Lansing, hauling Manitou Pontoon boats throughout the United States. He retired in 2006 at the age of 63.
Bob's hobbies were attending auctions and as a picker, hunting for those rare treasures. He had an admirable tractor collection, which he showed and he participated at various tractor pulls. He was a gear head and his joy was his antique car collection. He had a 1935 Ford Cabriolet Roadster displayed at the prestigious Gilmore Car Museum in Hickory Corners, MI. Pride of place went to his 1954 Cadillac Coupe Deville and his 1957 Chevy 210 Convertible. Bob spent many blissful hours restoring and driving his cars and winning trophies at the many car shows he attended in San Francisco, Daytona, Chicago, and Detroit, to name a few. Bob also enjoyed fishing, collecting Cushman Scooters, and snowmobiling. He loved sharing time with his family and friends.
He is survived by the love of his life, Elizabeth (Ann) Holcomb, who he has been with for 16 years. He was proud of his three daughters, Vicky Avery (Los Angeles, CA), Christine Kidder (Nashville, TN), and Noelle Wright (Nashville, TN), who will miss him and love him always. As will his grandchildren, Paul Walker, Joshua Walker, Jason Kidder and Veda France. He is cherished by his sisters, Barbara Jean Bradley (Battle Creek, MI), Emma Jane (Chuck) Keen (Camp Connell, CA), Jo-Anne (Darrell) Lockwood (Battle Creek, MI), and his twin brother, James (Elaine) Avery (Augusta, MI). He will be fondly remembered by his many nieces and nephews, as well as Ann's children, and the multitude of friends who shared in his blessed life.
A visitation will be held at Baxter Funeral & Cremation at 375 W. Dickman Road, Battle Creek, MI, on Wednesday, January 7, 2015, from 4:00pm to 8:00pm. Services will be held at Baxter Funeral & Cremation, on Thursday, January 8th, 2015, at 2:00 pm with Pastor Mike Howard officiating.
Those wishing to make a donation in Bob's memory may do so to the American Cancer Society or a charity of your choice. Arrangements by the Baxter Funeral & Cremation Service. 269-788-9800 www.baxterfuneral.com

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