Robert A. Read

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” (2 Timothy 4:7) Bob Read’s faith in Christ defined who he was and how he lived his life. He boldly shared his faith and passionately “fought” for people to pursue Christ. On Monday, November 1, 2021, he finished his race.

Bob was born on June 20, 1955, in Plymouth, IN to James and Barbara Read. He graduated from Plymouth High School and went to Western Michigan University on a wrestling scholarship, graduating with a degree in education. Bob taught science at Plymouth High School and Lincoln Jr High School for 35 years. After retirement, he ventured into raising fish with his dad.

Bob loved the Lord deeply and lived a life that reflected his confidence in Christ. He was a founding member of Crossroads Church, where he spent countless hours discipling and encouraging others in their faith. He prayed fervently for his family, friends, Crossroads Church, and the Plymouth community because his greatest desire was that people would know the purpose God had for them.

After his faith, Bob’s family was his greatest joy. Bob met his wife, Karen, in college and they were married for 42 years. He loved being with Karen. It didn’t matter what they were doing, just that they were together. Bob also loved being with his kids, spending a lot of time on “adventures”, being part of countless events and activities, and giving them a living, day-to-day example of who Christ is. Bob was always an available encourager and confidant for his children. He gave the same love, time, and attention to his three grandsons.

After his faith and his family, Bob most loved the sport of wrestling. He was the head wrestling coach for Plymouth for 39 years and was inducted into the Indiana High School Wrestling Coaches Association Hall of Fame in 2000. Bob was fiercely competitive and pushed his team to excel, but more than winning matches, he wanted his wrestlers to become young men of character and integrity. Everyone who stepped on the mat under his leadership, wrestlers and coaches alike, knew Bob cared for them and wanted to see them succeed in wrestling and in life.

Bob left behind a legacy of faith and love and an example of a life lived passionately pursuing Christ.

Bob is survived by his wife, Karen, three children, Lane (Troy) Grimes, Caroline, Matt (Mary), and three grandsons, Caleb, Sam, Lucas. He is also survived by his father, James W, three brothers, James (Debra), Thomas (Jacqueline), David (Shellie), and numerous nieces and nephews. Bob was preceded in death by his mother, Barbara, and sister, Debra.

Please Note: The family requests that masks be worn at all services attended.

The Visitation will be held Friday, November 19, 2021, from 3-7pm at Crossroads Church, 1650 N. Oak Dr., Plymouth.

A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, November 20, 2021, at 4 pm at Plymouth High School in the Varsity Main Gym, 1 Big Red Drive, Plymouth, IN. There will be no visitation prior to the service.

To view the recording of the memorial service, please follow the link below:

Bob Read Memorial Service (vimeo.com)

In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate memorial donations to Crossroads Church 1650 N. Oak Drive, Plymouth, IN 46563.