Robert William "Bob" Banhagel II

London - Robert William "Bob" Banhagel, II, 78, of London, died unexpectedly on Monday, January 13, 2025, in his residence.

Born February 15, 1946, in Ionia, Michigan, he was a son of James Banhagel and Shirley (Thomas) Metzger.

A graduate of Ionia High School, Bob went on to serve in the United States Army where he was stationed in Germany as a military police officer during the Vietnam War. Following his time in the service, Bob worked to become a detective with Grand Trunk Railroad in Mount Clemens, Michigan. He dedicated over twenty years to the railroad before retiring as a lieutenant. A talented competitor, Bob was a star athlete on the Ionia High School football and track and field teams, setting several records during his tenure. Pole vaulting would become his specialty and would eventually become the true passion of his life. During the '70s and '80s, Bob was an avid muzzle-loader enthusiast and would take his family on what are called primitive competitions in the upper part of the mitten of Michigan where they would socialize, camp, and live the lifestyle of mountain men with other enthusiasts as they competed in muzzle-loading shooting and tomahawk throwing competitions. He would also become known for handcrafting Kentucky Long Rifle muzzle-loaders and would add gun-smithing to his list of talents. Later in life, Bob relocated to central Ohio in 2002 to be closer to his children and grandchildren. He rekindled his love for pole vaulting in 2005 and competed in masters track and field for almost another ten years, where he inspired other former track and field athletes to become master athletes and to keep striving towards their goals.

Never one to stay idle, Bob established himself amongst several of his passions including music, woodworking, and coaching. A talented guitar and slide-guitar player, Bob enjoyed playing classic blues music and would frequently play at various blues jam circuits throughout the country and in central Ohio with several of his friends. Bob was also a skilled woodworker. Anything from custom guitars to cigar-box guitars, and even his specialty cutting boards and end-tables, Bob made sure his family and friends always had personalized pieces for which they could be proud. Coaching was an avocation that always remained near and dear to Bob's heart. He coached his son, Rob, and daughter, Becky at Ionia High School, where they excelled in their respective events, and he dedicated most of his time to traveling and being their biggest fan. Fast forward to 2008, accordingly, he became an assistant track and field coach at Gahanna Lincoln High School where he fittingly specialized in pole vault alongside his son Rob. It was the special bonds he made with his athletes at Gahanna Lincoln, including having the opportunity to coach two of his grandsons and a granddaughter, that made him such an inspirational role model to all his student-athletes. Bob also helped coach in several private pole vault clubs throughout the Midwest and was a motivational mentor for many youngsters in the pole vault community, helping them achieve their goals and in some cases, college athletics aspirations.

Bob is survived by his children: Rob (Jana) Banhagel, III, Becky (Chris) Lottridge, and Brenda Rockafellow; grandchildren: Araceli (Flo) Rihel, Madison Pollard, Sydney Pollard, Jacob (Jamie) Blankenship, Drew (Makayla) Blankenship, Carson Lottridge, and Ally Lottridge, Garrett Rockafellow, Sam (Breann) Rockafellow; great-grandchildren Layla Delnay and Weston Blankenship; and brother James "Jimmy" (Kris) Banhagel.

In addition to his parents, Bob was preceded in death by his grandson Josef Banhagel.

Bob will be returned home to Ionia, Michigan where private interment will be held at the convenience of his family. To commemorate his amazing life, a celebration will be honored on Friday, February 21, 2025, from 6:00 - 8:00 PM at the Jefferson Country Club, 7271 Jefferson Meadows Drive, Blacklick, Ohio 43004. Another celebration for Bob will be held on Saturday, July 5, 2025, from 2:30 - 5:00 PM at 3139 Jefferson Road, Ionia, Michigan 48846.

The EBERLE-FISHER FUNERAL HOME AND CREMATORY, 103 North Main Street, London, Ohio 43140, is honored to be caring for Bob and his family during this difficult time. Condolences for his family are encouraged to be shared online at www.eberlefisherfuneralhome.com.