The Rabens Family: The Life Story of Robert Poffenbarger

Robert Merlin Poffenbarger was born July 29, 1927. His parents, Homer and Fern lived in Mt. Pulaski, an Illinois farming community. They were hardworking share croppers. Bob really enjoyed growing up on the farm. He did not have siblings until he was seven years old. First to arrive was his sister Myrna. She was followed by brother Jack 19 months later. Another sister Luberta came just 12 months after that. We're sure Bob had lots of adjustments to make going from an only child, but they were all close and it was nice to even up the family; two boys and two girls.

After High School, Bob joined the Navy in 1945, during World War II. He wasn't sent overseas and served his time at Great Lakes. It was there that he met the love of his life Bertha May Baker at a dance. The handsome sailor swept the beautiful seventeen year old off her feet and they were married in a little country church on Bob's nineteenth birthday in 1946. Soon after Bob was discharged from the Navy and they moved back to the farm with Bob's family. Three years later Bob and Bert were blessed with a healthy baby boy, Larry David.

Larry like Bob had a great childhood growing up on the farm. However, due to health reasons the family needed to move to a warmer climate. The Poffenbarger family moved to Sarasota, Florida in 1956. Since there were not many farming opportunities here Bob changed occupations. He used his other talent and started working in construction. He quickly gained a reputation as an honest, dependable hardworking employee. Bob always took pride in the jobs he was on and was known as a perfectionist. It better be plumb or level or it would have to be done again. Working full-time wasn't enough, Bob also built many spec houses over the years. In the early days most of these jobs were close to where they lived and his son Larry was his helper. Larry started learning the trade and working beside his Dad at the age of eleven.

In 1958 God again blessed Bob and Bert, this time with a beautiful baby girl, Twila Annette. As the family grew so did God's direction for their lives. Bert saw her need for a Savior watching a Billy Graham Crusade. God used a Christian coworker of Bob's to draw him to the Lord. Ezra Layman always showed the joy of the Lord and openly sang praises on job sites. Most construction workers mocked or ignored him but the Holy Spirit really used him to touch Bob's heart. Bob also accepted Jesus Christ and soon he and his family were attending The Tabernacle in 1959 with Ezra's family. That sweet friendship has lasted over the years and even touched the Poffenbarger's next generation. As a family it was hard for us to learn that Bob and Ezra's wife, Margaret, went home to be with the Lord just two days apart. What a beautiful reunion they must be having in heaven.

Bob considered it a privilege to supervise the construction of The Tabernacle Church built here on DeSoto Road and dedicated on July 4, 1976. The opportunity to serve with his brothers in Christ along with using his talents to build a house of worship was very special. Bob then faithfully served the body at The Tabernacle as an usher for many years. That is why it means so much to our family to be able to have Bob's Memorial Service here on this property filled with wonderful memories. Thank you.

There was a time when Bob and Larry worked together and built condos in Wildewood Springs and Spring Lakes. Many relationships were made with their employees and subcontractors on those jobs. Not only did they build a quality product, they accomplished it in record time. Looking back on it those were good years. After the condos were built out Larry moved on to other jobs and Twila started working with Bob on remodels at the complex.

Larry and Twila are thankful for their Christian parents and the example they set. Larry gave his parents three grandchildren, daughters Sylina and Brittney and a son Kyle. Twila added two grandchildren, daughter Natasha and son David. We have many fond memories of Holidays at Grandpa and Grandma's house. We were always together for Easter and Christmas Eve not to mention family birthdays throughout the year.

Retirement years for Bob brought Great Grandchildren. First was Cassie. Her mother Sylina brought her for a visit from Illinois in 1994 when she was two years old. Bob and Bert jumped right into their new role as Great Grandparents. Natasha had the first Great Grandson when Devin was born in 1995. Bob and Bert kept Devin during the day when he was a baby. They were so proud of him and enjoyed their time together. In August of that year Ginger, Cassie's little sister was born. We met her that Christmas when she was only four months old. Devin's little brother, Justin was born in 1998. Looked like greats came in pairs. Tradition held with the addition of Brittney's daughters Madison in 2005 followed by Jocelyn in 2006. David's wife is expecting a son in a few months. We will all be sure to tell him about his Great Grandpa Bob.

Bob had a full life but I'm sure he wasn't expecting how it would end. Almost two years ago we started noticing memory and behavior changes. They were subtle to start but unfortunately they got worse. It's so hard to watch your loved one change from the person you knew. As a family there were difficult times with this illness. However, we held on to God's promise to see us through. Close friends of ours have shared with us during this experience that God is a light to our path. In His mercy He takes us on these journeys and only reveals light enough for one step at a time because He wants us to trust Him. We are so very thankful that Bob is at peace now ans has a new mind. We will miss you Bob but we know that you are truly home and we will see you again one day.