Remembering a local Veteran

ZANESVILLE, Ohio – Faith, Family, and Country are the things that were important to Robert Northcutt.

The Army veteran, who passed away on February 1st, will always be remembered by his family for his love of the community and country. His daughter Rhoda Wheeler said while her father was highly decorated and received many honors, including the Distinguished Service Cross for his participation in Pork Chop Hill during the Korean War, he was much more than that.

“He was a true patriot, he loved every person, he never met a stranger, he loved everyone, he had many friends in the community,” said Wheeler.

Wheeler said despite coming from a difficult background, her father wanted to give back. Wheeler said Northcutt was passionate about helping the Avondale Youth Center, as he himself was an orphan. She said he also bought wheelchairs for the Genesis Health Care Foundation because he had been injured in the line of duty and knew the importance of having good care.

“I think despite all his hardships he really felt like he was blessed in life,” said Wheeler. “He made it through…he fought in Korea and Vietnam and he went back for many tours of duty and I think he felt like life was precious.”

Wheeler said Northcutt also worked to recognize veterans by donating marble benches around Ohio and Kentucky. She said she hopes the community would honor his memory thanking veterans for their service.

“That was obviously a big passion of his for veterans to be supported and recognized so I think people would do him honor by recognizing veterans and saying ‘thank you for your service’ and recognizing them and honoring them,” said Wheeler.

Wheeler said she will always remember the love her father had for her and her family and that he was the one who taught her how to work hard, be honest, and to love her country and family.