Robert A. Wilkeson 1942-2025

Bob was born March 15, 1942, in Youngstown, to Ray and Margaret McKinney Wilkeson.

On Aug. 22, 1964, he married the love of his life, the former Linda Kent. Together, they spent a lot of time traveling the United States, getting to 48 out of the 50 states. They shared 48 beautiful years of marriage until her passing in 2012.

Bob attended St. Nicholas School through eighth grade, graduating in 1956, and went on to graduate from Cardinal Mooney High School in 1960. He earned his bachelor’s degree in education from Youngstown University in 1964 and later obtained his master’s degree in education from Kent State University in 1967.

Bob began his teaching career with the Poland Local School District, where he taught history from 1964 until his retirement in 1991. Never one to sit still, Bob later earned his CDL and drove school buses for transit service, specifically for Ursuline and Cardinal Mooney high schools, affectionately earning the nickname “Bob the Bus Driver.” He also held several other jobs over the years to keep busy, including toll operator for the Ohio Turnpike, security guard for Shane Security Service and doughnut delivery driver for Kistler.

A devoted supporter of local athletics, Bob could often be found cheering on Poland sports teams at nearly every event. He was also a familiar face at Ursuline basketball, baseball and volleyball games.

Bob treasured his Saturday mornings spent having breakfast with fellow retired teachers.

He was a history buff, always ready to keep up on current history and even writing a book on the history of Poland.

Above all else, Bob cherished time spent with his family. He was a loving husband, father and Poppa.

In addition to his parents and beloved wife, Bob was preceded in death by his sisters, Mary Ellen Metzka and Ruth Ann Long.

Bob is survived by his daughter, Betsy (Bob) Kramer of Poland; grandchildren, Ryan (Nikki) Kramer, Altair Kramer and Kent Kramer; great-grandchildren, Benjamin Kramer and Dominic Kramer; and his sister, Karen Koziorynsky of Youngstown.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the doctors and staff at St. Elizabeth Boardman Hospital for their exceptional care and compassion.

Friends and family will be received 4 to 6 p.m. Monday, Dec. 22, 2025, at Cunningham-Becker Funeral Home, 270 N. Main St., Poland, OH 44512.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be 11 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 23, 2025, at Holy Family Parish, 2729 Center Road, Poland, OH 44514.

Bob will be laid to rest alongside his wife in Poland Riverside Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Poland Historical Society at polandhistoricalsociety.com.

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