Robert S. Bauguess, 82, of Ashville, Ohio, passed away on September 22, 2026. He was born on March 21, 1944 to the late Ralph and Helen Danese (Wiley) Bauguess. Robert grew up in Princeton, West Virginia, where some of his fondest memories were made working alongside his father in the family logging business — time that shaped his lifelong love of the outdoors and hard, honest work.
Robert and Judy were married for 26 years. They spent time at the racetracks, volunteering at the beagle club and watching the grandchildren at their sporting events. He was a member of Saint Paul Lutheran Church, Ashville, Ohio. Robert was employed by White Castle for 40 years before retiring, working as a Maintenance Mechanic in the Powder Coating Department as well as in the Fabrication Department. He loved sharing stories about the things he built and powder coated that ended up in White Castle restaurants. Along the way he developed a great fondness for White Castle burgers. While there, he gained many close friendships and often said the company treated its employees like family. Among his fondest memories was working the farm with his family. Growing up with three sisters, Robert was, by his own admission, thoroughly spoiled and loved by them.Years later he restored the family Farmall tractor and took great pride in taking it around to tractor shows to share with others. One of Bob's favorite pastimes was sitting down to watch NASCAR races — he was a devoted Bill Elliott fan.
Robert, known to many as Bob, was an avid hunter who spent countless hours in the woods and fields doing what he loved most. He was a devoted member of the Southern Ohio Beagle Club, where he ran his beagles and hunted rabbits alongside close friends who became like family. He also had a gift for restoring old knives, carefully bringing new life to blades others had long since set aside. Bob especially loved spending time with his grandchildren out in his shop, fiddling around and showing them how to use tools or sharpen a knife.
Robert is survived by his wife, Judith (McCray/McCallister) Bauguess; daughter Jodi (Kevin) Liston of Mt. Sterling; stepsons, Keith Hammack of Palm Bay, Florida and Brian (Tami) McCallister of Ashville; and stepdaughter Mistee (Jason) Parker of Kingston.
Also surviving are his grandchildren: Alysha (Johnathan) Roy, Weston Tufts, Mac (Idji) McCallister, McKenna (Silas) Barr, Marek McCallister, Maren McCallister, Landen, Sammy and Malachi Parker; and his great-grandchildren: Adalyn Roy, Leyton, PJ, and Bowen McCallister, Willard and Foster Barr. He is also survived by his sisters, Margaret “Lucille” Hochradel and Ruby Boggs; brother-in-law, Dale Helsel; and his Uncle Charles Bauguess; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Ralph and Helen Danese Bauguess; his sister, Lyllian "Nellie" Helsel; his brothers-in-law, James "Jim" Hocradel and James Boggs; and daughter-in-law, Dorothy Hammack.
He will truly be missed, but we know that he has complete healing!
Sorry for the long obituary but if you know Bob he never had a short conversation.
A visitation will be held on Sunday, September 27 from 2:00 – 5:00 p.m. at Oliver-Cheek Funeral Home, Ashville, followed by a funeral service on Monday, September 28 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Paul Lutheran Church, Ashville. Son-in-Law, Pastor Jason Parker and Pastor Laura Cavendish will be officiating. Everyone wear your flannel shirt on Monday in honor of Bob! In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to St. Paul Lutheran Church, 6046 St. Paul Rd., Ashville, Ohio 43103; or Southern Ohio Beagle Club, 700 Wiley Rd, Chillicothe, Ohio 45601. Condolences can be offered to the family online at olivercheekfuneralhome.com
Full service details and the family guest book are available at Oliver-Cheek Funeral Home.