Robert Allen Huebner

Robert “Bob” Huebner, president of U.S. Coexcell, Inc., in Maumee, Ohio, died suddenly of heart complications Jan. 16, 2011 in Portland, Oregon, where he was attending a business expo and conference. He was 56. To his family, co-workers and many friends, Bob, who stood 6 feet, 7 inches tall, was the oak, towering above everyone else not only physically but possessing the fortitude and charisma of a natural born leader. His unexpected death is a reminder of how fleeting life can be and how every day should be lived to the fullest, something Bob certainly did. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, son, and brother; an astute businessman; an exceptional athlete; and a dear friend. Whatever the endeavor, if Bob decided that he was committed, he was all in with a passion and determination to succeed few could match. Born on Nov. 3, 1954, Bob grew up in West Toledo, attended Monac Elementary School and graduated from Whitmer High School [‘72], where he starred on the basketball team. His senior year, he was named first team in the former Great Lakes League, a feat he cherished. Bob earned a scholarship to Wittenberg University in Springfield, Ohio, where he continued his success in basketball and completed a degree in accounting. Following graduation, in 1976, Bob returned to Toledo and joined the auditing department at Owens-Illinois, Inc. In 1978, he was asked to direct the company’s plastic drum division, where he remained for 15 years. During this time, he earned an MBA from the University of Toledo. In 1993, Bob and Harley Cramer, a co-worker from O-I, founded their own plastic drum business in Arrowhead Park, which they named U.S. Coexcell. Bob’s energy level was such that while U.S. Coexcell was growing, he became president of VITEC, a Detroit automotive fuel systems supplier. He remained at VITEC for 10 years, commuting to Detroit, while continuing to manage U.S. Coexcell. Beginning in 2005, Bob directed his business efforts entirely on U.S. Coexcell. With his aggressive approach to sales and marketing and an ability to secure niche markets, the company prospered. Mr. Huebner was vice president of the Chemical Allied Industries of Northwest Ohio. In 2007, Mr. Huebner was inducted into the Entrepreneurial & Business Excellence Hall of Fame. Bob remained active in sports throughout his life. In his 20s, he played federation basketball with some of the city’s best players. He was an ardent supporter of the UT basketball team, and he loved the Detroit Tigers. Bob was an excellent golfer and long-standing member of Toledo Country Club. He had three holes-in-one, including two in 2010. But the one he treasured most happened in April, 2008, on No. 17 at Toledo Country Club with his son, Jake, playing alongside. A note to his son inscribed on the trophy holding the ball reads: “My best playing partner in the world.” First and foremost, Bob was a family man. He was married on Jan. 28, 1989 to Renee (Morrin) celebrating 22 wonderful years. He coached his children’s sports teams. He loved to host family dinners, especially when he manned the grill, a favorite hobby. Bob enjoyed boating with family and friends, cruising up the Maumee River, and fishing in Lake Erie. Bob was often teased for his meticulous nature, yet it was his quest for perfection that helped him succeed in everything he did. But he was not all business. He loved pranks, possessed a mischievous laugh, and had a wicked sense of humor that was perhaps best typified by the name of his boat: “Bob-n-This.” Surviving are his wife, Renee; sons, Jeremy [Austin-Nichole] Huebner and Jake Huebner; daughter, Rachel Leathers; grandson, Jayce Leathers; granddaughter, Scarlett Rose Huebner; parents, Roy and Virginia Huebner; brother, Steve [Eileen] Huebner; mother-in-law, Eloise Morrin; brother-in-law, Ron [Tracy] Morrin; sister-in-laws, Linda [Paul] Wickenheiser and Michele [Leon] LaPointe; and dearly loved nephews and nieces. Visitation will be held Friday, Jan. 28, from 4 to 9 p.m. at Coyle Funeral Home, 1770 S. Reynolds Rd., with a sharing of memories at 8 p.m. A celebration of life service in Bob’s honor is scheduled for 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 29, at Our Lady of Perpetual Help, 2255 Central Grove Ave., where the family will receive friends at 10 a.m. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in Bob’s memory to St. John’s Jesuit High School or Wittenberg University.

Robert Allen Huebner

November 3, 1954 - January 16, 2011