Robert Sweet

Robert M. “Bob” Sweet, of Fort Gratiot, died Thursday, February 20, 2025.

He was born September 17, 1932 in Battle Creek to the late Max and Cynthia “Sally” Sweet. He married Sally K. Hartom of Bellevue on July 26, 1952 at her family homestead farm. Bob, Sally and their three daughters, Robin, Suzan and Kimberlee resided in Pennfield Township until 1971. They were long-time members of Pennfield Presbyterian Church in Battle Creek.

Bob graduated from Battle Creek Central in 1951 where he played basketball and baseball. He started working in the machine department at Oliver Farm Machinery prior to his graduation and continued until he was drafted into the United States Army in December of 1952.

After basic training at Ft. Custer, Battle Creek and Camp Atterbury, Indiana, he was assigned duty in Korea. He served in the Infantry in “E” (Easy) Company, 7th Division until July 8, 1953 when he was wounded during fighting on Pork Chop Hill. He was awarded the Purple Heart and Bronze Star for Valor as a result of his injuries received while carrying wounded soldiers to safety. He was discharged form Camp Carson, Colorado in December of 1954.

After his war service, Bob was employed by Gannett in the advertising department of the Battle Creek Enquirer. In 1971 he was transferred to the Chronicle Tribune in Marion, Indiana, later moved to the Times Herald in Port Huron and finally to The Desert Sun in Palm Springs, California. In 1993, Bob retired after almost 40 years of serving in different advertising executive positions. Bob and Sally returned to Port Huron in 2002.

Bob’s greatest joy was his three daughters, their families and the fun-filled traditional family gatherings over many years at different locations. He enjoyed fishing, yard work and family home improvement projects. He was a past member of the Black River Country Club, the Monterey Country Club in Palm Desert California and an Elk member for over 35 years.

He is survived by three daughters, Robin (Chris) McGahee, Suzan (Jim) Clevenger and Kimberlee (Don) Murray; ten grandchildren, Justin (Whitney) Clevenger, Nicholas (Christine) Sansom, Jordan (Jim) Manuilow, Miranda Sansom, Alexandria (Candice) Moran, Isabella Murray, Ashleigh Nelson, Keri Lee (Phillip) Rider, Brandon Heckman and Timothy Heckman; 22 great grandchildren; and sister, Sandi Delaney. He was preceded in death by his sister, Patricia Van Strate.

Private graveside services with military honors conducted under the auspices of the United States Army and the St. Clair County Allied Veterans Honor Guard will be held in Mt. Hope Cemetery.

Arrangements are by Pollock-Randall Funeral Home. To send condolences, visit pollockrandall.com