Robert Gene Blythe II, age 48, passed away Wednesday evening, June 25, 2025, at Mount Carmel East Hospital in Columbus, Ohio. He was born on his parents' anniversary, February 16, 1977, in Columbus, the beloved son of Nina Ferguson Blythe and the late Robert Gene Blythe.
Rob, or Robbie as he was affectionately known, is survived by his daughter Eirene Poe Horsley, son Paul James Blythe, mother Nina Ferguson Blythe, wife Amy Beth Buenning, and sister Roberta (Cricket) Gean Blythe. He also leaves behind nephew Robert (Bobby) Evan Blythe, as well as aunts, uncles, cousins, great-nieces, and great-nephews who loved him dearly. He was preceded in death by his father Robert (Bob) Gene Blythe, nephew William (Billy) Leigh Conrad Jr., stepdad James Michel, grandparents Gertrude Evans and Willie Otis Blythe, Gladys and Guar Ferguson, and many treasured aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.

After his graduation from Whitehall Yearling High School, Rob served in the United States Army. He also served as a police officer for the city of Pataskala, before starting his career as a Journeyman Pipefitter with Local Union 189. Outside of work, Rob found joy in spending time with friends and family, doing home projects, cooking, grilling, hunting, reading, and listening to music as he sat by the fire. His absolute favorite activities were perfecting his hamburger recipe with his daughter Eirene, and dancing with his wife Amy.
Those who knew Rob will remember him for his big laugh, his tight hugs, his love of dogs and little kids, his crazy – and often bad – jokes, and rarely being seen without a hat on! He was a huge sci-fi and fantasy geek, and loved bonding with his children over Harry Potter, Supernatural, Transformers, and Marvel superheroes, though they never were able to match his love of Star Wars.
He was an OSU football and Kentucky basketball fanatic and couldn't walk past a basketball or darts themed carnival game without playing and winning enough prizes for whoever he was with, plus any passing children. He was a proud brother of the 189, a true American patriot, and a fierce protector of the ones he loved.
The celebration of life service for Robert Gene Blythe the II will be held at Eastview United Methodist Church in Whitehall, Ohio on Thursday, July 17, 2025, from 4 pm to 7 pm. The family requests a dish be brought to share as we meet and reminisce. At 5 pm, there will be a presentation of the flag and military honors.
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