Robert Workman

1930 - 2013

Robert V. Workman

ASHLAND: Robert "Bob" Vance Workman, 83, of Ashland passed away December 7, 2013 at The Good Shepherd Home following two years of declining health.

He was born November 21, 1930 in Ashland to Donald and Evelyn (nee Cooper) Workman. Bob's family moved to Loudonville when he was a junior in High School where he played football for the Redbirds and graduated with the Loudonville High School class of 1949.

After graduation Bob worked at Westinghouse, then joining the US Navy in 1951, serving until 1955. He served with the Ceremonial Guard in Washington D.C. He was then transferred to the U.S. Lake Champlain, "The Champ", where he served a tour of duty in Korea. He has stayed in close contact with several buddies from the ship.

He married the love of his life, the former Donna Jo Messner on June 23, 1951 in Greenup, KY.

Bob served as an Ashland Firefighter following in his father's footsteps who was a Volunteer Firefighter in Ashland. Bob worked side by side with his brother Tom on the Ashland Fire Department as a firefighter and later as an inspector. He was replaced by his son Ronald when he retired in 1983 after 21 years of service.

Bob never wanted to be an idle person and always wanted to provide the best for his family. Even during his time as a fireman and even after his retirement he held these various jobs. He built six houses in Ashland, and worked for Cooper Bros. Construction. He was also a driver for the Bookmobile and a bus driver for Ashland City Schools, Dearman Moving Company, WNCO, Pump House Antiques, Ashland County Court House and Paradise Hill Golf Course.

Bob wanted to help out his community where he could. He worked the Ashland County election polls, Ashland County Historical Society, Ashland County Arson Fire Task Force.

Bob was an active member of the First United Methodist Church. He served on various committees. Bobby really enjoyed being with the youth serving as a cook at church camp. Bob was a member of the Harry Higgins Post 088 of the American Legion, Co-Founder of the Ashland Community Credit Union, North Central Ohio Arson Investigators, National Association of Arson Investigators, past Treasurer of the Ohio Arson Investigators, Dean of the 2006 Ohio Arson Seminar, and the recipient of the Ohio State Arson Investigators highest honor, the Eisnaugle Award.

Bob loved playing cards, reading and extensive travel. He and his wife Donna traveled to all 50 states and numerous foreign countries. He was a true family man. He thoroughly enjoyed taking his grandchildren downtown to the parades.

He is survived by his wife of 62 years Donna Jo; two sons, Steven Micheal (Gretta) Workman of North Canton, Ronald Eugene (Darlene) Workman of Ashland; one daughter, Brenda Gay Workman of Mansfield; nine grandchildren, Meagan (Tony) Lehman of Cuyahoga Falls, David (Meredith) Workman of Chandler, Arizona, Christopher (Alycia) Workman of Cuyahoga Falls, Lucas Workman of Ashland, Julie Workman of Manchester England, Daniel (Rachel) Workman of Mansfield, Niya Taylor of Coshocton, Natalie Taylor and Monica Taylor both of Mansfield; ten great-grandchildren; two brothers, Thomas (Maggie) Workman of Ashland, Frederick (Cammie) Workman of Perrysville; one sister, Donna (Leroy) Weaver of Ashland; and numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his great grandson, E'Xavier Smith; great grandaughter, Charlotte Workman; and nephews, Gregg and Bruce Weaver.

Services will be Wednesday December 11, 2013 at 11 AM in the First United Methodist Church in Ashland with Pastor Micheal Namy officiating. Friends may call Tuesday December 10, 2013 from 6-8 PM at LINDSEY FUNERAL HOME, Loudonville, and 1 hour prior to the service at 10 AM Wednesday at the church. Burial with Military Honors will be In the Loudonville Cemetery at 2:30 PM.

Memorial contributions may be made to Ashland First United Methodist Church, 220 Sandusky St, Ashland, OH 44805.

Online condolences may be left for the family by visiting www.Byerly-Lindsey.com