Robert Ira “Ike” Withers, age 59 of Somerset, Kentucky, departed this life on Tuesday, August 16, 2011 at Lake Cumberland Regional Hospital. 

He was born on October 9, 1951 in Somerset, Kentucky to the late Ira and Opal Vaught Withers.  He was a member of Campground Baptist Church.  While attending school at the home of the Mighty Maroons, he was involved in FTA (Future Teachers of America).  He was the manager for the basketball team and loved hanging out at softball parks.  His transportation was a 1959 Fiat. He received his Bachelor’s Degree in Education from SCC and University of Kentucky.  He obtained his Master’s Degree in Education from Union College.  He was a math teacher at Pulaski County High School for 32 ½ years.  He was also the softball coach for the girl’s team.  He was a sponsor of the Key Club.  Mr. Withers loved softball, basketball and horseback riding.  He loved his family and friends. 

Ike was a Christian man, truly dedicated to his family and his profession.  He loved his students and made an impact on their lives within the classroom, as well as outside the classroom.  Work never ended with the school bell.  From assisting kids in college to his after school tutoring, his work was never done.  The same dedication existed with his family and friends, as well.  His smiling face and positive attitude will be greatly missed by friends and family. 

Mr. Withers is survived by his wife, Linda Edmon Withers, whom he married on December 20, 1974 in Somerset, KY;  brothers, Larry (and Paula) Withers of Ashland, KY, Hobart Withers of Somerset, KY,  Mark (and Kathy) Withers of Somerset, KY,  Dale (and Beverly) Withers of Somerset, KY, Jim (and Elaine) Edmon of Indiana, Grady Edmon, Jr., Noel (and Shirley) Edmon and Andy (and Sherry) Edmon, all of Somerset, KY;  sisters, Lessie (and James) Vanhook, Susie Bolin, Effie Waters and Glenda Withers; an aunt and uncle, Jim and Vivian Vaught; a host of nieces and nephews.

Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother and sister-in-law, Donald and Nancy Withers and a niece, Kasey Dawn Withers. 

Visitation for Robert “Ike” Withers will be Thursday, August 18, 2011 after 5:00 pm at Lake Cumberland Funeral Home, 1046 West Highway 80, Somerset, Kentucky.

Funeral service will be held on Friday, August 19, 2011 at 10:00 am at the Chapel of Lake Cumberland Funeral Home with Brother David Muse officiating.  Interment will be in Lakeside Memorial Gardens.  Pallbearers will be Jimmy Vanhook, John Vanhook, Joel Vanhook, Paul David Withers, Josh Edmon, Noel (Boone) Edmon, Glenn Barney Singleton, James Turner and Darren Turner. 

The family request expressions of sympathy be made to Hospice of Lake Cumberland, 100 Parkway Drive, Somerset, Kentucky 42503 and/or American Cancer Society, 402 Coomer Street, Somerset, Kentucky 42501.