It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Robert Francis Douds December 5, 1933 – July 22, 2026.

Robert Francis "Bob" Douds, affectionately known to all who loved him as “Peep,” passed away peacefully on July 22, 2026, at the age of 92. Born on December 5, 1933, in Jeannette, Pennsylvania on the exact day Prohibition was repealed, a historical detail he always took great delight in sharing. Bob grew up in the coal mining town of Truxell, Pennsylvania. It was there that he built the strong foundation of faith, patriotism, and hard work that defined his entire life. He attended seminary at St. Vincent’s in Latrobe, Pennsylvania, before honorably serving his country in the United States Marine Corps during the Korean War. Following his military service, Bob returned to Ohio and built a full life in Akron. He was employed with Standard Oil (SOHIO) while furthering his education at the University of Akron and Kent State University. Passionate about hands-on craftsmanship and civic engagement, he spent many years educating others as a teacher of auto mechanics and Distributive Education. He was also an active member of Rotary and Junior Achievement, always investing in the next generation. 

In the mid-1990s, Bob retired to Stuart, Florida, with his late wife, Joye. Retirement only gave him more opportunities to serve; he spent many years volunteering in the community at the Elliott Museum and Martin Memorial Hospital. Above all, Bob was a loving, giving, and genuinely good man. He earned his treasured nickname, "Peep," years ago when his young granddaughter, Leia, mimicking the chicks he was raising, kept repeating "peep peep peep" a sweet moniker that stayed with him for life. Bob was a master storyteller who loved to open with his signature line, "Stop me if I told you this before." Of course, no one ever did, because hearing his tales was always a joy. He loved traveling to new places, enjoying fine wine and good food, and baking what his family unanimously agreed was the single best cheesecake ever made. His beloved Westies, Brumby and Milton, brought him endless happiness. Bob valued family, friendship, faith, and country above all else. He was a pillar of strength to those around him and, as his son-in-law Tim fondly put it, was effortlessly "the coolest guy in the room." 

Bob was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Rose Douds; his first wife, Joye Douds; his sister, Rosemary Douds; his brothers, Kevin, John, and Joseph Douds; and his grandson, Jordan Arnold. He is survived by his loving wife, Sherry Douds; his children, Debra (Tim) Arnold, Kelly (Paul) Coffay, and Robert R. Douds; his stepchildren, Kimberly Guffin and Brad Guffin (Thom); his grandchildren, Leia Clark, Anna Stouffer, Kelly Arnold, Simon Crock, Jacob, Ethan, Brady, and Lily Cox; his great-grandchildren, Jackson and Logan Stouffer, Phoenix Clark, Eve, Ridley, and Rowan Crock; his brothers, Stephen, David, and Dennis Douds; and his sister, Beatrice Pastiva. A celebration of Bob’s life will be announced by his family. In honor of Bob's spirit of service, memorial contributions may be made to United Way St. Lucie & Okeechobee’s Mission United veterans assistance program.