Bob Gantenbein started bowling in 1950 while living in California. After moving to Gaffney, South Carolina in the early 1970’s, he helped organize both the Gaffney local and adult associations. Bob has served on both Boards in all capacities. Currently, Bob is a Life Member of the Gaffney Bowling Association.
1988 was a good year for Bob as he won the South Carolina Senior Tournament and advanced to and won the National Senior Tournament held in Jacksonville, FL that year. Bob made a return trip to the National Senior Tournament by again winning the South Carolina Senior Tournament in 1991 and then advanced to Texas where he and his family had a great trip.
At the state level, Bob has served on the South Carolina Bowling Association Board as a Director; he was President of the SCBA from 1991-1992 and currently serves as an appointed Board Member for the South Carolina State Young American Bowling Alliance.
Bob remains an active bowler today and an advocate for bowling at age 72. He and his family have enjoyed the sport of bowling and have made many friends throughout the state over the years. Bob joins his wife, Ruby, who is an active member of the SCSYABA Hall of Fame since being inducted in 1996, in this honor.
Obituary
April 12, 1929 – September 01, 2021
Gaffney, SC – – Robert “Bob” Dean Gantenbein, Sr., 92, of 153 Sandy Lane, went home to be with the Lord on Tuesday, September 1, 2021 at his residence.
Born April 12, 1929 in Abilene, Kansas, he was the husband of the late Ruby Edmonds Gantenbein and son of the late Ed Gantenbein and Mabel Shannon Gantenbein. He was the owner and operator of Gantenbein Construction, of the Baptist faith, and attended North Point Church. Bob was an avid bowler, the ABC National Champion in 1988, and was inducted into the S. C. Bowling Hall of Fame.
Surviving are two sons, Ernie McKenzie (Doris) of Idaho and Bobby Gantenbein, Jr. (Kim) of Gaffney; two daughters, Charlene Humphries and Sandy Wallace (Greg), both of Gaffney; son-in-law, Danny Bell of Bullard, TX; many special nieces, nephews, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great grandchildren. In addition to his wife and parents, he was preceded in death by two daughters, Terri Jensen and Gigi Bell, a son, Rick Wade, a brother, Keith Gantenbein, a sister, Joyce DeFreeze, and a son-in-law, Robert Humphries.
Private Memorial Services will be held by the family.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to: Carolina Foothills USBC Youth Bowling Scholarship, c/o 153 Sandy Lane, Gaffney, SC 29340.
The family will be at their respective homes.
An online guest register is available at www.blakelyfuneralhome.com
Blakely Funeral Home & Crematory, Gaffney, SC
