Robert Kenneth Sweet

Robert Kenneth Sweet

September 28, 1935 – October 21, 2026

Robert K. Sweet, 91, a longtime resident of Franklin, Ohio, passed away at his residence on October 21, 2026. He was born on September 28, 1935, in London, Kentucky, to James and Maggie (Taylor) Sweet.

“Absent from the body, present with the Lord.” Bob was a faithful believer in the Lord.

Bob graduated from Hamilton High School with the Class of 1955.

Bob worked for Miami Carey and Bavarian Woods Apartments before joining MPW, a contractor at AK Steel, where he eventually retired. He made many friendships throughout his years there and genuinely enjoyed going to work, seeing his buddies, sharing laughs, and cutting up with the people who made his days special.

To his family, he was affectionately known as Pap. Pap had a way of making people laugh and effortlessly gave nicknames; Among them, “12 Gauge” remains a family favorite.

His family will forever cherish the countless funny moments they shared with him, the way he entertained their jokes, and the stories he told about his life, from racing cars to how he loved to go fishing.

Pap shared a particularly special bond with his great-granddaughter, Rosealie. Every school day, they would say goodbye to each other before she left. When she returned home, she would announce, “Pap, I’m back from school!” He was very proud of her and eagerly looked forward to seeing her graduate from high school.

Pap also had a little buddy of his own. Splinter, the family’s beloved Pomeranian-Chihuahua mix, was never far from his side. Every morning, Pap shared turkey bacon with his little buddy. Splinter will miss those mornings with Pap.

When he wasn’t spending time with family or visitors, Bob enjoyed watching Fox News and his favorite cowboy shows on INSP. He also enjoyed shows such as Survivor, Gold Rush, Deadliest Catch, Naked and Afraid, Moonshiners, and Homestead Rescue. During football season, he faithfully cheered on his beloved Ohio State Buckeyes and Pittsburgh Steelers. He was also a longtime NASCAR fan, with Kyle Larson as his favorite driver.

Bob will be remembered for his humor, familiar sayings, daily routines, stories, and the way he loved his family. The countless memories he created will continue to bring smiles to their faces. Though his presence will be deeply missed, his love, sacrifices, and the laughter he brought into their lives will remain forever in their hearts. To those who loved him, he answered to many names—Pap, Sweet-man, Water Dog, Sweets, and many more.

He is survived by his daughter, Cynthia J. Arvidson (Paul); his sons, James Dennis Sweet (Carolyn), David Wayne Sweet, and Richard Kevin Sweet; his grandsons, Chris R. Wells and Matthew P. Arvidson; his granddaughter, Youtonnia Jean McDonald; his granddaughters, Cindy Hess, Amy Hess, Rebecca, Page, Madison, Ashley, and Sydney Sweet; his great-grandson, Brenton Matthew Hess; his great-granddaughters, Madison Renee Hess (Gage Mullenix) and Rosealie Jean Cooper; and many other beloved family members who will forever cherish his memory.

He was preceded in death by his parents, James and Maggie (Taylor) Sweet; his brother, Ray Sweet; and his dearly beloved wife of 47 years, Betty Jean Sweet.

Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice Care of Middletown, 4418 Lewis Street, Suite B., Middletown, OH 45044 in honor of Bob.

Please visit SpauldingFuneralHome.com to leave online condolences for the family.