Robert “Bob” Jacobs of Ferndale, MI, a devoted husband, father, engineer, veteran, and man of deep faith, passed away peacefully on October 19, 2025. He was born on February 24, 1934, in Detroit, to Paul and Marie Jacobs. He grew up in Royal Oak, Michigan, with sisters Jeanne and Joanne, who loved their little brother “Bobby”.

Bob earned his Civil Engineering degree from Michigan Technological University in 1956. While there, he participated in all manner of outdoor activities, but his favorite being intramural hockey. He continued to play hockey until well into his 80s.

In 1957 he was drafted into the U.S. Army for two years and stationed in Iran. His military service was one of the best experiences of his life. He often spoke with great pride and gratitude about those years.

Following his service, Bob embarked on a career in civil engineering, first working for others, then starting his own business—Minco Corporation. His specialty was excavation and tunnel work.  He worked on notable projects such as Ford Field, Comerica Park, and the Great Lakes National Cemetery in Holly, MI—his final resting place alongside his beloved wife.

In 1968, Bob met and married the love of his life, Hourig Toukhanian. Hourig was his “treasure,” and together they built a life full of love, faith, and laughter. They moved into their “starter” home in 1969, where they raised their four children—Carl, Cathy, Seta, and Jenny. That home remained their forever home: a humble, joy-filled, two-bedroom with one bathroom, and an attic-turned-bedroom (heat and air conditioning not included) for the girls. Despite the tight quarters, their children agree there was no better place to grow up.

Bob’s greatest joy came from his family and his faith. He loved Jesus deeply and lived with trust in God’s provision, often sharing stories of times when unexpected financial gifts arrived just when they needed them. A faithful member of the Armenian Congregational Church for 50 years, Bob served in countless roles— deacon, trustee, Sunday School teacher, and loyal member of the fall and spring clean-up crew, to name just a few. His Bible was always close at hand, and his faith was the foundation of everything he did. He will be remembered for his calm presence, steadfast faith, and generous spirit.

Dear son of late L. Paul and Marie (Williams) Jacobs.   Beloved husband of the late Hourig (nee Toukhanian).

Loving father of Carl (Melanie) Jacobs, Cathy (Leo) Brito, Seta Sanchez and Jenny (Mike) Mullen.  Cherished grandfather of Armen and Allison Jacobs, Camille and Joseph Sanchez, Colette, Aaron, Christopher, Dorian, Cecilia Mullen. 

Dear brother of the late Jeanne (Jim) Rivest, the late Joanne (Jack) Hollinger. 

Bob will also be missed by his brothers- and sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.  

Visitation Thursday, October 23, 2025 from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. with a 6:30 p.m. Memorial Service at the Edward Korkoian Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations are to Youth for Christ, 23136 Hughes Ave., Hazel Park, MI 48030 or online at YFCDetroit.org or Armenian Congregational Church 26210 West Twelve Mile Road Southfield, MI 48034 https://www.accdetroit.org/ or Cross Bible Church 33000 Harper Avenue, St. Clair Shores, MI, 48082 https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/cbcscs