Robert John “Bob” Morlock, born January 4, 1944, passed away peacefully on August 17, 2026, surrounded by his loving family. The oldest son of John and Helen Morlock, Bob was a lifelong farmer in the Hersey area and a beloved brother, husband, father, grandfather, uncle, neighbor, mentor, and friend to countless people whose lives he touched.

In 1967, Bob married the love of his life, Karen Johnson. For more than 50 years, they worked side by side, raising their family and building a life together on their dairy farm. Bob was known for his extraordinary work ethic, resilience, and good humor. He rose most mornings before the sun and often worked long after it had gone down.  Farming brought its share of hardships, but Bob had a remarkable ability to see the bright side, keep moving forward, and find something to learn along the way.

Bob believed strongly in community and service. He was a lifelong member of the Sheriff’s Posse and an active member of the Richmond Township Board of Review and Farm Bureau Chat and Chew. He was always willing to lend a hand, offer advice, or simply chat with a neighbor or friend. Although Bob may have been the busiest person around, helping others was never a burden—it was simply what you did.

When Bob wasn’t farming, there was a good chance you could find him playing cards, pulling tractors, or hunting. He loved a good card game, and if you happened to be sitting at a table when Bob sat down, you were probably going to be playing. Euchre, pinochle, poker, Go Fish, or a simple game of war—Bob played them all. If you didn’t know the rules, he would teach you. He was a fierce competitor, and it didn’t matter whether you were eight or eighty; Bob was playing to win.

Bob brought that same competitive spirit to the pulling track. He loved taking his tractors straight from the field to a competition. With his own approach to weight placement, engine tuning, and expert driving, he frequently found himself at the top of the standings. His tractor-pulling adventures were rarely a one-man operation, however. His son, grandson, sons-in-law, nephews, friends and neighbors often made up his pit crew, creating memories that will last for generations.

In the fall, Bob could often be found taking a morning, evening, or Sunday afternoon to hunt whitetails on his property. In the spring, you could find him in the woods, or the sugar shack, collecting sap and making maple syrup.  Hunting and making syrup were more than pastimes for Bob—these were just ways to spend time with the people he loved. Whether around the card table, in the tractor pit, or out in the woods, his favorite part was always sharing those experiences with his family.

Family was at the heart of everything Bob did. He played in many card groups over the years, but his favorite partners were his grandchildren. Tractor pulling became a family tradition, and his hunting parties often grew into extended family outings.  He took great pride in his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren and loved watching them grow, learn, and become the people they are today.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents, John and Helen Morlock, and his beloved wife, Karen.

He is survived by his children, Tamara (Andrew) Jones, Jeffrey (Sarah) Morlock, and Carri (Kyle) Morlock-Kearns; his grandchildren, Megan (Ryan) Elder, Ryan (Chelsea) Jones, Ava Morlock, Kara Kearns, and Lena Morlock; his great-grandchildren, Ivey Elder, Lyndie Elder, and Tucker Jones; his sisters, Janet (Arthur) Schmidt and Nancy (Tom) Alles; and many nieces and nephews.

Bob was a friend and role model to everyone who had the privilege of knowing him. His handshake, his humor, his advice, his competitive spirit, and his willingness to help will be remembered by many. He leaves behind more than a farm, a family, and countless memories—he leaves behind the faith, values, work ethic, and love that he instilled in those around him.

He will be deeply missed, but his legacy lives on in his family, in the community he served, and in the many lives he touched.

A funeral service will take place Saturday, August 22, at 11:00 a.m. at Camp Albright (3156 190th Ave) in Reed City.  A luncheon will follow, with burial to take place at 2:00 p.m. in Hersey Village Cemetery. Family and friends are invited to visitation on Friday, August 21 at Hersey United Methodist Church (200 W. Second St.) from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.