SMYRNA - Robert E. "Bob" Botsch of Garrisons Lake, south of Smyrna, went home to be with the Lord on Monday, Dec. 1, 2014 at the age of 81. Robert was born September 11, 1933, the son of the late Edward and Julia Botsch, in Hempstead Hospital, Long Island, N.Y. He and his parents moved to Delaware in 1951. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his grandparents, Charles and Helen (Wicks) Botsch. On January 1, 1954, he and Doris Ann Long were married. Robert was in the 14th Combat Engineer Battalion of the US Army as a Medic and served time in Korea during the Korean War in the 1950's. Upon returning home from Korea, he farmed with his father Edward. He continued to farm for his entire life. He is survived by his wife, Doris A. Botsch; son, Gary R. Botsch, Gary's fiancée Sue and daughter; and son, Roger E. Botsch, Roger's wife Michele and their daughters Chelsea and Sydney, all of Smyrna. He had raised, trained and flown Homing Racing Pigeons since he was ten years old with his grandfather, Charles in New York. He still had the Pigeons at the time of his passing. He also enjoyed his Fox Hounds and still talked with his friends about when he hunted. Robert also owned, trained and drove Harness Horses for 51 years and just recently retired from the sport. Lately he just went to the races to see his sons' race horse along with several nephews of his Long family. Services and burial will be private at the convenience of the family. Arrangements are by Faries Funeral Home in Smyrna. Donations in Mr. Botsch's memory can be made to Asbury United Methodist Church, PO Box 330, Smyrna, DE 19977. Condolence letters may be sent by visiting www.fariesfuneralhome.com