Robert Dewayne Botkin

Robert DeWayne Botkin peacefully passed, entering into the presence of our Lord Jesus on Sunday, April 13, 2025. "Bob" was born February 5, 1940, to Florence "Elizabeth" Pulley and Robert William Botkin in Marion, Indiana. Bob was the first in his family to attend college, graduating near the top of his class from Purdue University, with a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering (1963) and a Master of Science in Civil Engineering (1970), majoring in Structural Engineering and minoring in Nuclear Engineering at the graduate level. He was a member of both the TAU BETA PI and CHI EPSILON Engineering Honor Societies. In 1962, as a Purdue University undergraduate student, Bob married his longtime, hometown, sweetheart, Merwin "Ann" Logsdon. Having been enrolled in the Army, Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC), Bob continued to meet his military service obligations following his undergraduate graduation, while also embarking on his first engineering position as a structural designer at Walter Scholer and Associates, in West Lafayette, Indiana. In 1965, Bob and Ann would move to Anchorage, Alaska as he was stationed at Fort Richardson as a Captain with the Army Corp of Engineers. During his three years of serving in Alaska as a bridge platoon leader and atomic demolition munitions platoon leader, he became a proud father of his two children who he would one day move far from arctic Anchorage to sunny South Florida. Born in the kitchen of a farmhouse built by his father, young Bobby created many fond memories from his days exploring rural Indiana and boating on lakes in Michigan and Wisconsin. When the roofing business took a southern hiatus from the unfriendly winter weather in Indiana, he created more memories from fishing adventures along the sparsely populated southwest coast of Florida. At the age of eight, Bobby began working summers and weekends, climbing ladders with roofing supplies for his father, the owner of Botkin Roofing Service. From this point in his childhood forward, his work did not cease, officially retiring from a career as a structural engineer at the age of 80. In 1975, at the age of 35, Bob confidently and courageously stepped out in faith, despite a dismal economy, founding Botkin & Associates, which would become Botkin, Parssi & Associates in 1998, until present. He also started a construction company, building residential homes. However, he eventually moved away from construction to focus on his area of greatest passion and giftedness, structural design. Bob's outstanding work product, paired with his unmatched work ethic and integrity, resulted in his being trusted with the responsibility for over 12,000 structural design projects during his prolific 57-year engineering career. Eventually, Bob created his niche, partnering with some of the finest architects in the world as the go-to structural designer in the restoration and renovation of countless historical homes on the Island of Palm Beach. As a devoted follower of Christ, his generous dedication and service to others was a core value that Bob lived out quietly. He was passionate about helping children and families in need, leading him to serve on the board of the Children's Home Society, while always searching for opportunities to directly support those in the community who he felt needed a simple helping hand to rise above their circumstances. In 1977, as one of the very first families to move west to Wellington (FL), Bob was instrumental in the planting of Wellington Presbyterian Church, with its first services held in the living room of his home on Guilford Circle. He served as a deacon in the church for several years before deciding to help plant a second church in the fast-growing western communities. Bob was cherished as a devoted husband, father, and grandfather with a wonderfully quirky sense of humor that grew increasingly endearing with age. He could be found supporting Ann's musical pursuits, including her lifelong service as church pianist, organist, and choir director. Listening to Ann's piano playing was one of his favorite pastimes, and he always made sure she was provided a piano in their home. He genuinely enjoyed supporting his daughter, son, daughter-in-law, and grandchildren with his presence whenever possible. Family meals were especially important to Bob, as were piano recitals, choral concerts, athletic events, and other activities too numerous to mention. Each found him quietly watching with pride, ready to offer complementary words of encouragement or probing questions to learn more about his family's unique interests. Lastly, Bob loved the beauty of the North Carolina mountains, enjoying breaks from the drafting board of his home office to drive with Ann along the Blue Ridge Parkway near Blowing Rock and Weaverville. Bob is survived by his wife of 62 years, the previously mentioned Merwin "Ann" (Logsdon) Botkin, Royal Palm Beach, FL; daughter, Julie Ann (Botkin) Roca, Royal Palm Beach, FL; son, Alan DeWayne Botkin (Amy), Roswell, GA; and his four grandchildren, Christina, Kaitlyn, and Carlyn Roca, Boynton Beach, FL; and Andy Botkin, Clemson, South Carolina. He is also survived by his sister, Marcia Elaine (Botkin) Sherrell, Atlanta, GA; and nephew Kirk E. Hall, Atlanta, GA. He was preceded in death by his parents Florence "Elizabeth" (Pulley) Botkin and Robert William Botkin. A celebration of Bob's life will take place on Thursday, April 17 at Palms West Funeral Home, Royal Palm Beach, with a reception from 5:00-6:00 PM and the memorial service from 6:00-7:00 PM. If able, please come dressed in your favorite bright colors of Easter as we celebrate Bob's faithful life well lived. Bob's family would like to thank the caregivers from Assisting Hands Home Care of Palm Beach for their professional care and thoughtful attention. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to: BlazeSports America, to help provide adaptive sports opportunities for disabled youth and adults, including programs for disabled military veterans. Samaritan's Purse whose mission is to provide disaster relief in Jesus' name. Gifts designated for US Disaster Relief, will include those who continue to suffer in western North Carolina and Tennessee from the devastation of Hurricane Helene. https://blazesports.org/donate Samaritan's Purse