The world lost a curmudgeon when Dr. Robert Kent “Bob” Modlin of Lewisburg, WV, died on Feb. 1, 2026 at the age of 93. Bob was born July 23, 1932 in Albright, WV, to the late Rev. Harrison Eugene Modlin and his wife Mary Sumner Modlin. Because they could not agree upon a name, his birth certificate read Unnamed Male Infant. As a “preacher’s kid,” he grew up in several communities across West Virginia including Montgomery, Huntington, Ravenswood, Bridgeport and Clarksburg.
After graduating from Washington Irving High School in Clarksburg, WV, Bob attended Yale University on a full academic scholarship, graduating in 3 years. He then married his high school sweetheart, Jill Modlin. They recently celebrated their 73rd anniversary. After obtaining his medical degree at Yale Medical School, he entered the military and interned at Valley Forge Army Hospital, then did a residency at Brooke Army Hospital, Fort Sam Houston, TX. His army career included tours at Fort Sill, OK, and Fort Gordon, GA. He did a tour in South Korea and retired from the military as a Colonel. His final assignment was Chief of Medicine at Walter Reed Army Medical Center.
Bob then moved to Lewisburg and formed a deep commitment to the Lewisburg community. He was well known as a physician who practiced with the Greenbrier Physicians Clinic for 30 years, retiring in 2006. He was instrumental in developing recreational soccer in Greenbrier County as a referee and instructor. Upon retirement, he felt greatly honored by GVMC with the designation of Modlin Field in Fairlea. He also had a passion for music. He served in the choir at Lewisburg Methodist Church for 50 years and enjoyed several groups including the Men of Greenbrier and TAT. He was a strong advocate for the activities that make Lewisburg special and supported Greenbrier Valley Theater, Carnegie Hall and the State Fair. He was a long-time member of the Rotary Club. When he needed a little peace, he would slip away to the Knob in Monroe County.
He enrolled his land into the Farmland Protection program to preserve its beauty and use. At his recent anniversary celebration, he observed “It’s been a very long and very, very good life we’ve lived. Believe me.”
He is survived by his wife, Jill Modlin and his four sons: Randolph and family Robert, David, Shannon, and son Harrison, and Mary “Catie”; Preston and family Kristi and daughter Mary, son Greyson, Amy, Evan, and baby Todd, Derek, Kelsey, and Joy; Russell and family Lydia and Erika; Kent. Bob was preceded in death by his brothers, Philip Eugene Modlin and Charles Sumner Modlin, and the heart breaking death of his infant daughter Mary.
A memorial service will be held at Lewisburg United Methodist Church on Feb. 7 at 2 p.m. The family suggests donations to a charity of your choice in his honor if you wish.
The family wishes to express their gratitude to the medical staff of CAMC, Seneca Trail Healthcare Center, Home Care Plus and Hospice.
Wallace & Wallace Funeral Home in Lewisburg is in charge of arrangements.
