Robert Wayne Burkepile, Jr., 61, went home to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on Monday, December 7, 2020 after a courageous 21-month battle with pancreatic cancer.  Bob passed peacefully at the home of his fiance, Lisa Moore, with her by his side.  

Bob was born December 29, 1958 to Robert Wayne Burkepile and Shirley (Bonnell) Burkepile in Mansfield, Ohio.  Bob graduated from Madison Comprehensive High School in 1978.  Following graduation, he attended the Freewill Baptist Bible College in Tennessee.  He went on to become an ordained minister of the Gospel and pastored churches in Indiana and Missouri. He was loved and well-known for his vivid and relatable illustrations.

Bob attended and served at The Church Next Door in Columbus for the past several years.   Recently, he returned to the Mansfield Free Will Baptist Church, his fiance’s home church and the church where he gave his heart to the Lord and was called to preach over 40 years ago.  Alongside Lisa, he eagerly helped prepare lunches and serve the less fortunate in our community.  Having a soft spot for individuals with disabilities, Bob served a two-year stint as a crew leader and houseparent through the Ohio Association of County Boards of Developmentally Disabled, Worthington, Ohio.  

Owner of Bob’s Painting Service, he maintained his business for many years and was known for his meticulous, high-quality work and excellent customer service.  His experience as a painter helped him to gain employment at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center in 2014.  

As one of their highly-esteemed renovation specialists, Bob donned the halls and rooms of the medical center with his warm presence, hardy laugh, and great sense of humor.  He was known for his “hallway ministry” where he sought to make friendships and connections with co-workers, patients, and visitors.  He was very sad when the complications of his illness kept him away from the job and people he loved. 

Bob never knew a stranger.  A friend and confidant to many, he freely offered his candor, wisdom, guidance, and support.  He sought after excellence and looked for and appreciated it in others.  He was generous and honest in giving compliments and sharing his provision with others.

In keeping with his generous spirit and love of nature and science, Bob chose to donate his body to one of the great medical facilities in the State of Ohio for research. 

Bob is survived by his father, Robert Wayne Burkepile, Sr. and step-mother, Bonnie (Hart) Burkepile; one daughter, Markeya Lynn; brother, Roger Wayne; sister, Pamela (Clayton Sampsel); several nieces and nephews; his fiance and faithful companion, Lisa Moore; and numerous friends.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Shirley; his sister, Judy Burkepile and her life partner, Donald Conley, Sr. and Donald Conley, Jr.; his sister, Karen (Payton) and nephews, Gary Schoenman and Walter Schoenman; and his grandparents.

A celebration of life service is being planned and will be announced when the current pandemic subsides in order to accommodate everyone who would like to attend.