Robert Means, Sr.

Age 87, passed away peacefully on Saturday, January 19, 2019.  Faithfully served Starlight Missionary Baptist Church as a Deacon for over 58 years.  Beloved husband for 62 years of Yvonne, dear father of Jeffrey (deceased), Sherri, Jacqueline Cox (Duane, Esq.) Robert, Jr. (Carolyn), Michael (Bettina) of San Diego, CA and Yvette Hasan (Robert), loving grandfather of 16, great-grandfather of 21, uncle of many precious nieces and nephews and loved by many other relatives, fellow church members and friends. Proud Korean Conflict Army Veteran.  Wake Saturday, January 26th, 10 AM at Starlight Missionary Baptist Church, 14516 Euclid Ave. followed by Homegoing service at 10:30 AM.  Arrangements entrusted to the E. F. Boyd & Son Funeral Home, 25900 Emery Rd.

                                                                          Celebrating the Life of Deacon Robert Means, Sr.
                                                           
Once in a generation, once in a lifetime, in every family, there emerges a man who trusts God with all his heart and  with all his knowing and with all his living and being. Robert  was “An  Upright Man”  Who stood firm when  everything around him was shaken. In a world that no longer valued manhood, In a world that espouses political correctness, in a world that changes direction as often as the wind, Robert was still “An Upright Man”. He was a wise and kind believer who turned many to righteousness.  His behavior always measured up to his beliefs.
On September 7, 1931 in Hope Hull, Alabama God breathed life into Robert Means, Sr the first born of five children born to loving parents Sam and Beatrice (Joseph) Means.
Robert or “Bug “ as he was affectionately called by his family was big brother to Sam Means , Annette Means-Phillips, John Means, and Emma Means-Jackson all who preceded him in death.
Robert spent his young life in Bessemer, Alabama obtaining his education and graduating from Dunbar High School. “It Takes A Village.” Robert was surrounded by a large extended family which included nurturing grandparents Rev. John & Lizzie Joseph, caring uncles (John & Forest) aunts (Lillie, Susie,Honey, Cozetta, Callie) and many cousins.  
“In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your path (Proverbs 3:5-6)”
In 1953 Robert’s country called him to serve in the Korean War where he served as a Squad Leader and earned two medals of distinction before being honorably discharged.
During the great migration from the south Robert’s family migrated to Cleveland, Ohio and Detroit Michigan  and in 1955 Robert joined his family in Cleveland  to pursue his love of gospel music with his Uncle Joe and family friend Edward Small. There he met Yvonne Delores Reese and it was love at first sight. They  married on June 25, 1955 and this union was blessed with six children Jeffery (deceased) , Sherri, Jacqueline, Robert, Jr., Michael and Yvette.
Robert  was employed at  the Ford Motor Company Walton Hills Stamping Plant in 1956 working as a welder where he never missed a day of work and retired in 1997  after 41 years. Robert was a early riser and began the day  in prayer followed by a run or walk in the park. He loved spending time with his beautiful wife and taking her on vacations.  He enjoyed all sports and supported all Cleveland Teams.
A Child of God                I John 3:1
Robert confessed his faith in Christ at an early age and was baptized  at Mt Hebron Baptist Church in Bessemer, Alabama. In 1956 he  joined the Starlight Missionary Baptist Church in Cleveland, Ohio under the leadership of Pastor Edward Small where he was ordained as a Deacon in 1961 and later served as Chairman of Deacon Board, Sunday School Teacher and Adult Sunday School Superintendent.  He loved to sing praises to God and sang in the Gospel Choir and later the Male Chorus.
Robert became ill and his daughter Sherri lead the charge in caring and advocating for him until the baton was passed to The Hospice of Western Reserve and where on January 19, 2019 before dawn God said well done!
Robert  leaves to cherish his memories; his loving and devoted wife of sixty two years Yvonne, five children; Sherri Means, Jacqueline Cox (Duane), Robert Means Jr. (Carolyn), Michael Means (Bettina), and Yvette Hasan (Robert). Sixteen grandchildren, and twenty one great grandchildren. One aunt, Cozetta Long of Detroit, MI, one brother- in- law, Eugene Phillips of Detroit, MI. And a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
 

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