Gridley, Robert (Bob) Erwin , 87, passed away on June 7, 2020 at Emerald Springs Senior Living, Yuma, AZ. He was born April 10, 1933 in Buffalo, NY to Arthur and Ruth (Statham) Gridley, stepson of Clifford Sherwood. He was preceded in death by his parents, step-dad, his sister Edith, and half-brother David Sherwood.

Bob is survived by his wife Elaine (of almost 67 years), sister Lorraine (Steven) Showers; sister-in-law Carole Sherwood; brother-in-law Dean (Carolyn) Hartloff; children Brian (Julie) Gridley, Middlefield, OH; Diane (Larry) Kalas, Yuma, AZ; Bobbie (Jim) Moeller, Seymour, IN;  Russell (Kathryn)Gridley, Lee's Summit, MO; and Laura (Randy) Straub, Staunton IL; 16 grandchildren, and 26 great-grandchildren.

He graduated from Seneca Vocational High School, Buffalo, NY; received his BA in Education & Bible from Barrington College, Masters of Divinity from Gordon Divinity School, and Masters of Peace Studies from Anabaptist Mennonite Biblical Seminary. He also was a veteran of the U.S. Army.

Bob taught high school in Eden, NY and then was called to the ministry serving as a pastor at Buxton Centre Baptist Church, West Buxton Free Baptist Church, Buxton, ME, Hyde Park Baptist Church, Hyde Park, MA. He pastored churches in Livermore Falls, ME, First Baptist and Moose Hill.  He served with Faith at Work Ministries and pastored churches in Mt. Gilead and Berdan Baptist in Carrollton, IL, First Baptist, Dixon, IL, and Bethel Baptist, Colchester, IL. He worked for the Appalachian Peace and Justice Network until his retirement.

In retirement Bob enjoyed living and traveling with his wife in their motor home and wintering in the Desert Southwest. They then settled in Yuma, AZ. He enjoyed camping, tinkering and repairing. Bob will be remembered by his family and others for his love of people, social justice, and sharing his faith in Christ.

In lieu of flowers the family requests donations to the charity of your choice.