07/28/2026
Jerry Lee Bobst, also known as “Mr. Wonderful”, 87, of Beaver, Ohio, passed away at his home on July 26, 2026.
Born on October 16, 1938, in Beaver, Ohio, Jerry was the son of the late Gladys (Schrader) Bobst and Ezra Damon “E.D.” Bobst. He was also preceded in death by his beloved daughter, Tammy Carnahan, and his siblings: Vonberta Smith, Ezra “Bub” Bobst, Janice Hines, Betty Remy, Jack Bobst, Barb Predragovich, Karen “Sue” Cochenour, and Robert “Bobby” Bobst.
On October 13, 1962, Jerry married the love of his life, Charlotte Wallette Bobst. Together they shared 63 wonderful years of marriage, building a life centered on faith, family, hard work, and service to their community.
In addition to his devoted wife, Charlotte, Jerry is survived by his daughter, Kelly Roese and her husband, Brian; son-in-law, Dennis Carnahan; grandchildren, Christopher (Jessica) Brust, Emily Roese, and Jared (Abbey) Roese; and four cherished great-grandchildren, Kinley and Karley Brust, and Parker and Mia Roese. Jerry is also survived by a brother Dean (Doris) Bobst and sister Patsy McGuire.
Jerry was blessed with many lifelong friends in Beaver and Wellston, Ohio, communities that always held a special place in his heart. He and Charlotte also cherished the 26 winters they spent in Tiki Village in Tavares, Florida, where they formed lasting friendships with many dear friends who became like family.
A proud veteran, Jerry enlisted in the United States Army in 1957, after graduating from high school, alongside three of his closest friends. During his military service, he was stationed in Nürnberg, Germany, where his exemplary service earned him the Good Conduct and Marksman Rifle Medals.
Following his military service, Jerry devoted himself to serving his community both as a businessman and public servant. As the owner of Jerry’s Do-It Center, Wellston Hardware, and the soon-to-be Chillicothe Hardware, he became known not only as a successful entrepreneur but also as someone who genuinely cared about his customers, employees, and neighbors. His hardware stores were more than businesses—they were places where people found honest advice, friendly conversation, and a helping hand. Jerry believed in treating everyone with respect, and his integrity and work ethic earned him the admiration of generations of customers.
Jerry also dedicated many years to public service. He proudly served the Village of Beaver as Mayor and Village Councilman and volunteered as an Emergency Medical Technician on Beaver Squad 3, working to strengthen and improve the community he loved. Whether through his business, civic leadership, or everyday interactions, Jerry believed in giving back and making Beaver and Wellston a better place for future generations.
Jerry will be remembered for his strong character, generosity, and dedication to his family and community. His legacy lives on through the businesses he built, the people he served, and the family he loved.
Though he will be deeply missed, Jerry leaves behind a lifetime of memories and an enduring example of hard work, service, and kindness that will continue to inspire all who knew and loved him.
A graveside service officiated by Tim Hines and Julie Smith will be held at 11 A.M. on Monday, August 3, 2026, at Beaver Union Cemetery, where Jerry will be laid to rest with honor. Family and friends are invited to pay their respects during visitation from 4-6:00 P.M. Sunday, August 2, 2026, at Cox Burkitt Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made to a charity of your choice.
www.coxburkittfh.com
