Robert C. "Bob" Lietz

Robert 'Bob' C. Lietz, age 81, of Wapakoneta, passed away Wednesday, October 14, 2009, at St. Rita's Medical Center. Born in St. Marys on July 31, 1928, Bob was the son of Dewey Lietz and Goldie (Hole) Lietz Waldo. He is preceded in death by his parents and his brother, William "Hafe" Lietz. He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Betty (Fisher) Lietz. Other survivors include his daughter, Susan (Ron) Cartwright of Powell, sister Nellie Montgomery of Wapakoneta, sisters-in-law Linda Fisher of Yellow Springs and Charlotte (Copeland) Fisher of Wapakoneta, grandchildren Aaron Shafer and Riley Cartwright both of Powell and numerous nieces and nephews. A 1946 graduate of Blume High School, Bob attended Ben Franklin University in Washington D.C. and the Northwest School of Business (now University of Northwest Ohio). Bob lived for two years in Washington D.C. and worked for the FBI as a file researcher. Upon returning to Auglaize County, he obtained his realtor license, worked for the City Loan of Bellefontaine and the Artwood Handle Company. He began his banking career with the First National Bank of Wapakoneta in 1961 and was elected officer in 1964. When that organization became part of First Banc Group, he was named Executive Vice President and assumed a position on the Board of Directors. In 1972, he was elected President and Chief Executive Office of Bank One, Wapakoneta and served in that capacity for 19 years. He retired the position of Vice Chairman of Bank One, Lima, in 1993 after a 32 year association with Bank One. Other business affiliations and associations include membership on the Greenlawn Cemetary Board, Haus Helms Foundation, Wapakoneta Country Club, Wapakoneta Area Chamber of Commerce Council and participation on the Wapakoneta Area Economic Development Committee. He was also a member and past chairman of the Dorothy Love Retirement Center Board of Directors. He served as clerk of Wapakoneta City Council. He served on the Board of the Telephone Service Company (TSC). He was involved with the Auglaize County Regional Planning Commission, the Wapakoneta Area Community Foundation, the Auglaize County Airport Authority and the Aug-Mer Tourist Council. He served as co-chairman of the new building campaign for the Wapakoneta Family YMCA. Bob was a supporter of Wapakoneta schools serving as a coordinator for several building levies. Bob was a member of the First English Lutheran Church and was a past member of the church council. Additionally, Bob was a member of the church Finance and Budget Committees as well as several building campaign committees. He was active in other community and civic organizations including the Elks Lodge and Fraternal Order of Eagles. He was a member of the Rotary Club and served as a past president and became a Paul Harris Fellow. He was a member of the Masons of Ohio and past Master of Hamer Lodge #167, the Wapakoneta Chapter 183 R.A.M., and the 32nd degree Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite, Valley of Dayton. Visitation will be held Saturday, October 17, 2009, from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Bayliff and Eley Funeral Home, 1102 Lincoln Avenue (State Route 501), Wapakoneta. The family will greet friends at First English Lutheran Church in Wapakoneta from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. with a memorial service following at 10:30 a.m led by Pastor Steve Nelson. A luncheon will be held in the church fellowship hall following the service. Graveside service at Greenlawn Cemetary will follow the luncheon at 1:00 p.m. Memorial contributions may be made to First English Lutheran Church, Wapakoneta.

Robert C. "Bob" Lietz

July 31, 1928 - October 14, 2009