Robert Larry "Bob" Force

Robert Larry (Bob) Force, 89, of Huntington, WV, passed away peacefully on February 26, 2026 in Huntington, WV. Born on March 18, 1936, in Huntington, WV, he lived a life dedicated to his family, faith, and community.  A proud graduate of Huntington High School in 1954, Bob continued his education at Marshall University, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Education. He later pursued a Master’s Degree at Morehead State University.  His passion for teaching and coaching shaped the lives of countless students over the years. Bob began his career at Barboursville Elementary School in the early 1960s before moving to Vinson High School and then to Coles Putnam Junior High School in Ashland, Kentucky. He later joined Ashland Paul G. Blazer High School where he taught physical education, health, and driver’s education while also coaching football, track, and tennis. While teaching in Ashland, he received the Kentucky Colonel Award for saving a student’s life. After retiring from teaching, Bob continued to share his love of sports by coaching football at Vinson High School as well as coaching alongside his son in girls’ basketball at Wayne Middle School and Cammack Middle School. He also coached youth football for his grandson and cherished mentoring his grandchildren in golf and tennis.

Bob proudly served in the Army Reserves until his honorable discharge in 1965. A devout Christian throughout his life, he was an Elder at Madison Avenue Christian Church and found great joy in teaching adult Sunday School classes.

Bob is survived by his beloved wife of 65 years, Nancy Jean Force; sister, Patti Cox of Boca Raton, FL; son, Doug Force of Huntington, WV; and, daughter, Mindy Backus of Huntington, WV. He also leaves behind nieces Amy Noel of Huntington, WV, Teresa (Carl) Hale of Kenova, WV, and Kellee Cox-DeRosa (Ernie) of Elk Grove, CA; nephews Jim Cox of Fort Lauderdale, FL, Mitch Moreland of Columbus, OH, Dan Sowder (Renee) and Chuck Sowder of Louisville, KY; grandchildren Joshua Scott Force (Mary McComas) of Huntington, WV, Zachary Aaryn Force of Huntington, WV, Chelsea Elizabeth Cantu (Alex) of Indianapolis, IN, and Analisse Elizavet Backus of Huntington, WV; great-grandchildren, Lilly, Addy, and Max Cantu.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert Lee Force and Iris Arbutus Gossett Force; sister and brother-in-law, Betty and Andy Andersen of Concord, CA; sister-in-law and husband Pat and Chuck Sowder; sister-in-law and husband Shirley and Jim Moreland; nephew Michael Lawson of San Francisco, CA; nephew Tim Sowder of Kenova, WV; and, other cherished family members and several very special friends.

Known for his fun-loving personality and warm spirit, Bob brought joy to all who knew him. His legacy as a teacher, coach, mentor, husband, father, grandfather, and friend will live on through the many lives he touched.  May Bob’s memory bring comfort to those who loved him as they celebrate a life well-lived. A memorial service will be held on March 1, 2026 at 2:00pm at Reger Funeral Home, 1242 Adams Avenue, Huntington, WV.  Viewing will precede the service from 12:30-2:00pm. Following the service, burial will take place at Spring Hill Cemetery in Huntington, WV.