The Reverend Robert L. Persons, 82

The Reverend Robert L. Persons, 82, of Gallipolis, passed away on Thursday, June 19, 2014 at the Holzer Medical Center Emergency Room.

He was born September 25, 1931 in Pomeroy, son of the late Elcherd and Stella Smith Persons. He married Bronis Young on October 23, 1954 and she survives him. He was a U.S. Army veteran of the Korean Conflict and a self-employed auto body repairman. He pastored several local churches and visited many. He also enjoyed playing music and especially string instruments.

Surviving are his wife, Bronis Persons of Gallipolis; six daughters, Margaret Geiger (Rick Geiger), Betty Jean “BJ” (Scott) Eichinger and Janet (Mike) Zweifel, all of Gallipolis, Christine (Mike) Martin of Pomeroy, Barbara (Jim) Harris of Latrobe, Pennsylvania, and Donna Hawley of Gallipolis; 6 grandchildren; 7 great grandchildren; and a sister, Myrtle McClish of Akron, Ohio.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a grandson, a great granddaughter and a brother, Denver Persons.

Services will be 1:00 p.m., Monday, June 23, 2014 at the Willis Funeral Home with Pastor Randy Patterson officiating. Burial will follow in Gravel Hill Cemetery.

Friends may call on Monday from 12 – 1:00 p.m. prior to the funeral.

Please visit www.willisfuneralhome.com to send e-mail condolences.