Robert Darin Linkous

Robert Darin Linkous (Bob), 49, unexpectedly passed away from a myocardial infarction on October 8, 2015 at Springfield Regional Hospital in Springfield, Ohio. He was born on January 22, 1966 in San Antonio, Texas to Robert Rosel Linkous and Pauline Johnson Rupert.
Robert grew up in Miami Valley Ohio. He graduated from Tecumseh High School in New Carlise, Ohio in 1985. After high school, he attended the Green County Career Center in Xenia, Ohio where he obtained his electrical license in 1986. He began his career as an electrician, achieving master status. Additionally, he apprenticed as a plumber and received journeyman status in 1992.
Robert married Denise Dawn Balanow Linkous in 1995 in Fairborn, Ohio. However, their relationship began in 1991 while working together at Huber Home Rentals. Initially, the two repelled one another, and did not get along. Little did Robert know, that after finally conceding to dance with Denise at a work function that the eye contact that they made on the dancefloor would lead to 20 years of marriage. He worshiped the ground that she walked on and spent the rest of his life doing everything in his power to make her happy. Some relentlessly search their entire lives, often with no avail, to find and experience the bond that they shared. His last words on this Earth were to Denise, stating, "I will always love you, you are my soulmate, my split apart, and I will be waiting [for you]."
He was a seasoned rockhounder, who over the course of 17 years assembled an impressive collection of rare fossils and crystals. He loved to teach anyone who would listen about the history of his rock samples, especially children. He also loved other outdoor activities such as fishing, stargazing, camping, hiking, and building bonfires that were often too large for his daughter. He was an innate musician, able to play songs by ear, and quickly master any instrument. He passed on his love of music to his daughter, purchasing her numerous violins and putting her through years of private lessons. Although he had many hobbies and interests, his children were his always biggest priority and focus. He wanted them to grow up to work from the shoulders up and not the shoulders down.
Robert was a lively soul, always trying to have fun. He carried on many of the euphemisms he learned from his father, such as calling his kids pet names like turkey-butt, or, hollering out "Jimminie Cricket!" when he stubbed his toe. Other common sayings included, "if you mess with bull get the horn, and "duct tape can and will fix anything." Each time his wife Denise did something silly, he would call her "slinky". Why? Because although Slinkys do not have common sense, they sure are fun to watch walk down the stairs.
He told his family on trips, no matter the distance, that "we will be there in a half hour." He would reassure his family by giving them three squeezes for I-love-you, and telling them that "we will deal with it later, and it "aint nothing but a thang."
Robert and Darrelle, his daughter had a very unique relationship. The two constantly poked fun at one another and gave each other heck. Darrelle lovingly called Robert "Bob the blob", a nickname that lasted through time. Robert was his wife and daughters go between, often playing mediator. Robert wanted to make sure Darrelle was prepared for adulthood, torturing her with hours of lectures about tact, self-control, and thinking before she spoke. Darrelle had swore up and down she would never do this to her children yet, now his grandchildren suffer the same fate!
If Robert had any regrets, it was that his son was not always part of his life. Circumstance prevented Robert from being able to show the immense love in his heart for his son. But, if anything good came from Robert's death, it is that "the seal has been broken", and his son Jayme now knows of all the love that the Linkous, Rupert, and Malloy family has been waiting years to offer. Robert is smiling down from heaven, as his final wish has been fulfilled.
Robert was preceded in death by his brother Dr. Gregory Ballengee MD, paternal grandparents Robert and Bess Linkous, maternal grandparents Frank and Beula Johnson, step-father Richard (Dick) William Rupert, and mother in law Pamela Elaine Balanow Maddox.
Robert is survived by his spouse Denise Dawn Balanow Linkous of Huber Heights, Ohio, his son Jayme Laurent [Huber Heights, Ohio]; daughter Darrelle Louise Colinot (Jason David Malloy) [Indianapolis, Indiana]; his sister Kristin Renee Rupert [Huber Heights, Ohio]; his sister Dr. Christine Morris PhD [Pickerington, Ohio]; his grandchildren Lillian Rose Malloy and Julian Elliott Malloy [Indianapolis, Indiana]; his mother Pauline Johnson Rupert [Huber Heights, Ohio]; his father Pastor Robert Rosel Linkous [Huber Heights, Ohio]; his step-mother Lanae Linkous [Huber Heights, Ohio]; his cats Simon and Gatita, as well as many other relatives.
A memorial service will be held at Alcony Grace Church, 1045 S. Alcony-Conover Road, Troy, Ohio, 45373 (513) 845-1012, at 12:30 pm on October 18, 2015. A luncheon will be held directly after services.
In lieu of Robert's untimely and unexpected death, and lack of life insurance, the family requests that instead of flowers, memorial donations may be made at time of service to Alcony Grace Church in care of Robert Darin Linkous, or sent to 1911 Wilcox St. Indianapolis, IN 46222. Messages of condolences may also be left on Newcomer funeral home's online guest book at https://www.newcomerdayton.com.