Robert Beitler

November 29, 1946 - January 20, 2018

Robert B. “Bob” Beitler age 71 of Forest, died January 20, 2018 at his residence surrounded by his family. He was born November 29, 1946 in Decatur, IN to the late Chester L. and Julia G. (Lehman) Beitler who survives in Berne, IN. On June 16, 1968 he married Sharon Messmer after their graduation from Bluffton College. Surviving are a son Nathan H. (Susan) Beitler, Aurora, IL, 2 daughters Joy (Jeff) Kramer, Fort Worth, TX, Sara Beitler, Santa Monica, CA, 8 grandchildren, Kayla, Wesley, and Kyle Beitler, Aurora, IL, Cole, Evan, Julia, and Claire Kramer, Fort Worth, TX, Harrison Beitler, Santa Monica, CA, 2 brothers John (Brenda) Beitler of Kennett Square, PA, Stan Beitler, Fort Wayne, IN, a sister Christine (Laurence) Nofziger, Elmsworth, Alberta, Canada. Bob graduated from South Adams High School in Berne, IN in 1964, from Bluffton College in 1968 with a B.S. in Math and from BGSU in 1977 with a Master's in Education. He and Sharon taught two years in Newfoundland, Canada serving under the Mennonite Teachers Abroad Program. Bob retired from Riverdale Local Schools in 2000 after teaching Math and Science for 30 years in Junior High and then at the High School level. He also coached RHS track and was a Jr. High adviser for the H.A.P.P.Y. and J.E.D.I. programs. He was a member of the N.E.A., O.E.A., O.E.A. Retired, and the Hardin County Retired Teachers organizations. After retiring from teaching, Bob painted full time in his Beitler Painting L.L.C. Robert was a member of the Heritage Christian Union Church, where he served as Elder, Sunday School Teacher, and song leader, among many other duties. He also was privileged to go on mission trips to Mexico, Russia, Alaska, China, and Teen Missions International in Merritt Island, FL. Bob spent time working on the OH Christian Union Youth Board and at the Christian Union Camps in Greenfield, OH. He was a member of the Hardin County Gideons, Hardin County Habitat for Humanity, and the Forest Town Council. He also volunteered frequently at the Forest Community Food Panty. Bob loved his wife, his family, and his God. He enjoyed visiting family, family vacations, Bluffton College friends weekends, and cruises with his wife. A funeral service will be held at 11:00 AM Thurs. January 25, 2018 at Heritage Union Christian Church with Pastor Ken Gray and Rex Roth officiating. Interment will follow at Jackson Center Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 2-8 PM on Wed. January 24, 2018 at Clark Shields Funeral Home, and from 10-11 AM Thurs. January 25, 2018 prior to the funeral at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Heritage Christian Church or Hardin County Gideons in care of Clark Shields Funeral Home 301 S. Patterson St. Forest, OH 45843. Visit www.Shieldsfh.com to view the life Tribute DVD, send condolence or share a memory.