Dr. Robert E. Gregg, 83, of Ashland went to be with the Lord late Wednesday evening, July 30, 2025, in his home surrounded by his loving family and his lap dog.
He was born on May 26, 1942 in Barnesville, OH, to Arlie and Marjorie (nee Armstrong) Gregg.
Bob graduated from Zanesville High School, Class of 1960. He earned his Doctor of Optometry degree in 1966 from the Ohio State University School of Optometry and started his own optometric practice in 1969 in Ashland. He cared deeply for his patients and their health throughout his 49-year career, retiring in 2018.
He was a devoted member of the First United Methodist Church, where he sang in the choir for four decades and also served as an usher. It was in the church choir, in the early 1970s, where Bob first met Susan Lorenz, who had been hired as the Director of Music. Susan was drawn to Bob’s authenticity and unique sense of humor, and after a year they married, enjoying 51 incredible years of marriage.
Bob was a proud member of the Ashland Noon Lions Club for over 50 years where he earned Lion of the Year Award for his entertaining role as Tail Twister. He was also active in the Jaycees and later became a 32nd Degree Mason.
Throughout his life, Bob saw his family as an extremely precious treasure. He was a generous gift-giver, a patient listener, and always an active problem solver to his family, friends, and patients. Bob also had multiple special gifts: his care and connection with all animals; his always-entertaining menu of magician tricks; and his ability to devour an entire case of Fig Newtons in one evening.
Bob’s life story would not be complete without mentioning his never-ending comic relief and his special love for the Christmas season. His children saw him as the “Dean of Dad Humor”, perfecting the comic format of one-liners, farcical perspectives, and groanner puns. And when the weather started to turn frosty in Ohio, Bob’s eyes would light up with child-like excitement ready to celebrate the magic of Christmas with his entire family.
Bob is survived by his loving wife, Susan Gregg of Ashland; three sons, Brian (Renuka) Gregg of San Francisco, California, Dr. Ben (Dr. Heather) Gregg of Wadsworth, Ohio, and Bradley (Acacia) Gregg of Fairborn, Ohio; and eight grandchildren: Ashton and Aela; Bridget, Teddy, and Joey; and Micah, Moriah, and Melody.
Bob was preceded in death by his parents and his sister-in-law and brother-in-law.
Funeral services will be held on Sunday, August 10, 2025 at 4:00 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church with Reverend Tom Snyder and Vicar Derek Kubilus presiding. Friends and family may visit two hours prior to the service from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the church. Following the service, there will be a time of fellowship and a meal served in Dauch Fellowship Hall. Interment will be in Chestnut Grove Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Ashland First United Methodist Church, 220 Sandusky Street, Ashland, Ohio 44805.
For those who may not be able to attend, online condolences may be shared on the funeral home’s website at denbowfh.com.
Denbow-Gasche Funeral Home & Crematory is handling the arrangements.
Funeral Home: Denbow-Gasche Funeral Home
Website: denbowfh.com