Robert Linton Touchton

With much sadness, I announce the passing of my beloved husband, Robert Touchton. He passed away on Friday, June 7, 2024. 

Robert Linton Touchton, affectionately known as Bob, also known by his professional name in radio and TV as  Bob Travis, passed away in his adopted home of Blacksburg, Virginia. He was born to Linton (Buddy) and Genevieve (Jenny) Touchton in New York City and is the grandson of Peter and Bridget Fox from County Cork, Ireland. 

Bob attended Lehigh University and got his masters in business administration from California Coast University. His career was marked by dedication and excellence in the radio and TV industries. He and Toni Tennille co-hosted a national music television program. His radio career included being an on-air personality in Allentown, PA, Richmond, VA, and Philadelphia, PA, and he was a very successful VP of Programming for GCC Communications in Cleveland, OH, and for CBS radio in Boston, MA. Between 1992 & 2010, he and his wife purchased and managed 17 radio stations in New River Valley, VA; Roanoke/Lynchburg, VA; Ft. Wayne, IN; and West Palm Beach, FL.

In 1977, Bob married the love of his life, Karen Smith, of Christiansburg, VA, and together, they built a wonderful life together, recently celebrating their 47th wedding anniversary. He is predeceased in death by his parents, his brother, Lawrence (Larry) Touchton, and his sister-in-law, Lori Smith Davidson. Bob’s legacy is carried on by his loving wife, Karen; his children, Gregory and Lori, and their respective spouses Lucie Touchton and John-Paul Newfield; his adored grandchildren, Noah and Lucas Touchton, and Henry, and Genevieve (Evie) Newfield; along with his sister-in-law, Janice Smith Bostic, and her husband, Dennis; his brother-in-law, Rusty Davidson; as well as his niece, Lauren Bostic; his nephews Thomas and Matthew Davidson; and his cousin June Ferrante. Special long-time friends and Leah and Don Bivins, provided invaluable support in assisting the family during his illness, and professional respect and admiration are felt for his mentor and friend, Bob Hamilton and Cherie Meyers. All will feel his absence, along with a wide circle of friends and colleagues.

A service to honor Bob’s life will be held on Saturday, June 15 at 11am at Horne Funeral Home in Christiansburg, VA. As a four-year veteran of the United States Navy, Bob will be laid to rest next to his parents at the National Cemetery in Farmingdale, NY, near his childhood home. 

Bob will be remembered as a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend. His warmth, wit, wisdom, and the joy he brought will be deeply missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him. In lieu of flowers, please support the American Cancer Society.