Robert D. Mcelwee

Robert Dewey McElwee, age 78 of Kettering, passed away Saturday, December 2, 2023. He was born June 14, 1945 in Dayton, Ohio to Harry and Reatha McElwee. He attended West Carrollton High School and Sinclair Community College. He was a compassionate man that shared his wealth with family and friends throughout his life. Robert worked in Sales and Logistics industry throughout his life as a successful self-made entrepreneur with various businesses over the years. Robert was a member of the Owner - Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA). The McElwee Group was his last grand business venture that employed many local community members and handled logistic distribution chains throughout much of the continental US for the automotive industry. He dearly loved many pets over his life and Sampson, an English Bulldog, was the last lucky animal to spend time with Robert in his last remaining years. Robert was fun-loving and enjoyed many water gun battles using his Super Soaker against his family and especially his loving wife, Phyllis. He also enjoyed playing poker with friends, work associates, or anyone with an interesting story to tell. In his later years, he became a passionate collector that formed collections of artisanal knives, toys, handmade Beer Steins, and an amusing set of Gnomes. Robert's family and friends were the center of his life, and he will be missed by all who knew him.
He is preceded in death by his parents; his loving wife, Phyllis Ann McElwee; and his siblings, Harry Taggart and Gloria Childers.
Robert is survived by his four children, Shelley (Jim) Pesa, Sandy (Steve) Kline, Robert M. McElwee and Amber (Josh) Beavers; grandchildren, Ashley McElwee, Amanda (Tony) Cline, Bryan (Tayler) Hiehle, Tyler Pesa, Ryan Kline, Sarah Kline, Natalie McElwee, Nick McElwee, Jacob Beavers, Julie Beavers, Jackson Beavers and Jill Beavers; great-grandchildren, Damien Sanders, Lily Shaffer, Tori Shaffer, Mia Cline and Luka Hiehle; brothers-in-law, Dan McNerney and Bob Walker; along with many nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family and friends.
A Memorial Service will be held on Sunday, December 17, 2023, at Newcomer Kettering Chapel (3940 Kettering Blvd., Kettering, Ohio 45439). Visitation will begin at 2:00pm, with the Memorial Service at 3pm. To share a memory of Robert or leave a special message for his family, please visit the guestbook below.