Robert Joseph Gorrell "Bob" of Paris, Ohio, passed away on July 5, 2025, surrounded by his daughters, Debra and Elizabeth. Bob was born on October 18, 1938, to Agnes (Cawley) and Arthur Gorrell in Parkersburg, WV.  Bob grew up as one of nine siblings—seven brothers and two sisters—in a 3 bedroom home. He often fondly recalled childhood mealtimes: at the sound of their mother's dinner bell, the kids would race to claim their places on the long benches at the table. After grace, it was always a competition to finish first in hopes of getting seconds.

At seventeen, Bob sustained burns while working on a car, and was taken to the hospital where he met Della Nutter, a student nurse at the hospital. Six years later, on May 20, 1961, Bob married Della—the love of his life and his soulmate. Together they began their lives in Canton, Ohio, later settling on a farm in Paris, Ohio.

Bob was a true jack-of-all-trades—and master of the same. Throughout his life, he worked as a millwright, welder, mechanic, farmer, trucker, even a race car driver at the former Canton Motor Speedway. Bob was also, the best homemade ice-cream maker ever, and glorious singer of "You Are My Sunshine".

To know Bob was to witness his passion for hard work, especially on his farm—raising steers for the finest "marbling", baling hay, and riding his golf-cart to Pleasant View Golf Course in Paris, Ohio for a cheeseburger. He loved teasing his granddaughters—Ashley (Eddie) Whitt, Amanda Dixon, Andrea Dixon, and Samantha Wehrle—always wondering aloud when he'd finally have a boy in the family. He got his answer when Elizabeth married Wesley, and Bob joyfully welcomed three grandsons—Corey, Jordan, and Justin—into his heart.

Bob is survived by his daughters, Debra Gorrell and Elizabeth (Wesley) Dearth; his grandchildren and four great-grandchildren, Nora, Brady (another boy), Payton, and Delaney Whitt. He is also survived by his sister Patricia (Dave) Kincaid; brothers William (Arlene), David, and Michael (Karen) Gorrell; as well as numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife Della, his daughter Rebecca Gorrell, sister Mary Joan Shapley, and brothers James, Eugene, and Theodore Gorrell.

After Della's passing in August 2023, Bob's indomitable spirit helped him to carry on—even after overcoming cancer himself. Their connection was profound, and he vowed to live spiritually, so that he could be with Della again. He prayed daily, joined a Bible study and attended church services at St. Luke's in Minerva, Ohio. Bob encouraged fellow residents to stay active—sometimes challenging them to wheelchair or "cart" races down the hallways.  Although Bob was never much of a traveler, he made special trips to visit his brother Bill at Hilton Head Island and to West Virginia to visit his sister Patty, and brothers Dave and Mike. A massive stroke on February 9, 2025, left Bob paralyzed on his right side, but in typical Bob fashion, he adapted while learning to use his left side and his cart, persevering through therapy with courage and grit. His resilience inspired all who knew him. This past Saturday, Bob found peace and went home to be with Della, Rebecca, and other preceding family members reunited in spirit and joy.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Friday at 11:00 AM at St. Gabriel's Catholic Church in Minerva, Ohio, with Fr. Victor Cinson officiating. Burial will follow at Liberty Cemetery, where Bob will rest beside Della and Rebecca. Calling hours will be Thursday, 6–8 PM, at Gotschall-Hutchison Funeral Home.

In honor of Bob's lifelong love of farming, memorial contributions may be made to the Eric Eddy Future Farmers of America Scholarship Fund MEFFA at P. O. Box 42, Minerva, OH  44657. Those wishing to send condolences or share a memory of Bob may sign the online register at www.gotschallfuneralhome.com.