With profound sadness, we announce the passing of "Bob", our loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend. He left us peacefully, surrounded by family, in his 83rd year at Beaumont Hospice in Royal Oak, Michigan.

Bob was born in Dowell, Illinois and as a child moved to Pontiac, Michigan. He developed an early interest in sports and grew to be a star athlete, lettering in baseball, basketball, and football at Pontiac High School in the 1950s.

Football, however, was his passion and earned him an athletic scholarship to Kansas University, where he quarterbacked the Kansas Jayhawks in the '60s.

While at Kansas, Bob earned his B.A. in Education and returned to Michigan to pursue a 35-year career as a teacher and coach in Howell, Clarkston, and Waterford. Along the way, he earned a master's degree from Michigan State University. His ability to touch many young lives was always a point of pride and privilege in his life.

He met his lifelong partner, Julie (Judy) on a blind date, when they were both teenagers and they became a pair for the next sixty-three years. Holding hands for the first time in a darkened movie theater, they ended their long run in a darkened hospital room, still holding hands.

During Bob's last year of increasing health problems, they were able to relive memories of their many shared years of travels, friends, family, homes, pets, and children. They laughed and cried over good and bad times and determined the good far exceeded the bad.

Bob's greatest legacy was his children, Courtney and Rob. He was a great dad; Courtney says that he taught her to have respect for all people and to speak up for what is right and good when she sees wrongs. She learned to never forget where she came from, to always put family first, and that effort not excuses is paramount in all areas of life. The most important thing Courtney will always remember is the unconditional love her father gave her.

Rob recalls a dad who always had his back. He says that Dad always gave him a second (or third, fourth, etc.) chance and never gave up in the belief that love and forgiveness are integral parts of parenting. Rob also says that Dad worked extra jobs to give the family things that they needed (and wanted)—like braces and college educations, as well as bikes and (later) cars. Rob attributes his love of sports to a dad who not only always watched him play, but took the time to play with and teach him how to play.

As much as Bob was a good dad, he excelled at being Papa to his grandchildren, Alex, Caitie, and Maggie. Bob delighted in each of them as individuals, from the time they were infants to young adulthood. He was their biggest fan and cheerleader (loud to the point of embarrassment) at all of their sporting events, concerts, recitals, and graduations. He made it a point to always arrive early to secure front row seats and leave late in order to conduct post event analyses.

Papa never felt a pang of guilt for eagerly bragging to others about his grandkids 'accomplishments. Although Bob was sometimes the purveyor of unsolicited grandfatherly advice, he never ended a conversation without asking the kids if they needed anything, telling them how much he loved them, and how proud he was to be their Papa.

Bob is survived by his beloved wife, Julie, his daughter, Courtney Casteel-John, his son, Robert Casteel Jr. (Lisa), and grandchildren: Alexander Robert John; Caitlin Margaret Elizabeth John; and Margaret Lauren Casteel. He also leaves behind many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

He was preceded by his twin brothers, William and James Bottomley and parents, Bertha and Loren Casteel.

Bob was a member of Sigma Nu Fraternity, Kansas University Alumni Club, MARSAP, NEA, and MEA.

Unpretentious and sometimes outspoken, Bob was an independent thinker in all aspects of his life. You knew where you stood with him, but could always count on his loyalty, generosity, and integrity. He will be missed by many.

May his memory be a blessing,

Lovingly written by his family

We hope you will be able to join us for a celebration of Bob's life in early 2022. Please check the Coats website for the date and time. NO FLOWERS AT THIS TIME PLEASE.

Waterford Foundation for Public Education
P.O. Box 300681, Waterford MI 48330
Web: https://www.waterford.k12.mi.us/community/connections/waterford-foundation/

Boys and Girls Club of SE Michigan/Benefiting Pontiac Youth Recreation/Enrichment Center Club
26777 Halsted Road, Suite 100, Farmington Hills MI 48331-3560
Web: https://bgcsm.org/