Robert Allen Toombs

Robert Allen Toombs, 84, a longtime resident of the Skagit Valley, went peacefully into the arms of his Savior on Thursday, August 26, 2021. He was born in Cincinnati, Ohio on November 16, 1936, to Everett and Hazel Toombs. He spent many hours as a youth in the forests and fields surrounding his home in Mount Carmel, Ohio, hunting and trapping small animals and learning the lore of wildlife and farm animals. In 1954 he left high school to enlist in the United States Air Force, serving 8 years in active duty and reserves as a flight mechanic. To his last day, he loved and honored his country. Upon returning home he began working at Cincinnati Heat Treat that led to an interest in metallurgy, continuing his education in that field through night classes while working at various companies. During his career he made many unique and valuable contributions to the field of induction heat treating.
In 1960 he married Donna Voellmecke and together they had two children. The family moved to the Pacific Northwest in 1962 where he worked for Paccar, Fick Foundry, and Jorgenson Steel, and co-founded two heat treating businesses in Washington and Oregon. He became a product sales manager for Park Chemical in Detroit and taught metallurgy at Bates Community College in Tacoma. He was an independent technical sales rep to the heat-treating industry until retirement.
In 1988 he married Dorcas Haines; they lived in LaConner and later in Mount Vernon. Over the years Bob and Dorcas managed R.A. Toombs Co in his sales rep business, and in 2004 they opened My Own Vintage in Mount Vernon, retailing wine and beer making supplies. Bob loved making wine and raising (and eating) chiles, his favorite food. He also became an avid participant in Barbershop music, singing many years with the Anochords and the Bellingham Blend.
Bob is survived by his wife of 33 years, Dorcas, at home in Mount Vernon; daughter, Robyn, and her husband Eric Caynak of Port Angeles; son, Timothy of Sonoma, CA; sisters, Judith Gatch and Violet (Don) Gelhott both of Ohio; granddaughter, Virginia Caynak of Seattle, and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Betty (Herbert) Allen, and Cornelia (Bill) Lauber, and brother Everett Toombs.
Memorial services will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, September 11th at Faith Community Fellowship, 1427 Monte Vista Drive, Mount Vernon, WA. Masks and vaccination optional. The service will be streamed live on YouTube and available for viewing afterwards at the following link:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPEs63Qk1wn5wCkY-381Y5Q
According to Bob's wishes, he will be buried in his family plot in Milford, Ohio where there will be a Graveside service at Greenlawn Cemetery 687 US 50 Milford, OH 45150 Friday September 17, 2021 at 1:00 PM You may share your memories of Bob, and sign his online guest register at www.kernfuneralhome.com. Arrangements are under the care of Kern Funeral Home and Evans Funeral Home - Milford www.evansfuneralhome.com.