Robert Lewis MIDDLETON

MIDDLETON, Robert Lewis (Bob) - Age 69, of Fenton, died Friday, June 25, 2010 at Genesys Health Park. Funeral services will be held 11 AM Monday, June 28, 2010 at First Presbyterian Church, 503 S. Leroy St., Fenton, with Pastor Dale Swihart officiating. Burial will follow in Tyrone Memory Gardens. Visitation will be held 12-8 PM Sunday at Sharp Funeral Homes, Fenton Chapel, 1000 Silver Lake Rd., Fenton. In lieu of flowers, those desiring may make contributions to the Bob Middleton Scholarship Fund at Fenton High School. Bob was born January 22, 1941 in Marion, Ohio, to parents Robert W. and Helen Middleton. He graduated from Marion Harding High School in 1959. He participated in track, football and basketball, serving as captain in all three. During his HS sports career, he received several All-League and All-State honors, including setting a state record in shot put and a national record in discus. He was selected as the Most Outstanding Athlete in the State of Ohio in 1959 and became a charter member of Marion Harding High School Hall of Fame in 1982. After graduation, Bob attended Ohio State University and graduated with a bachelor's degree in education in 1964. He played football, coached by the late Woody Hayes, from 1960-1962. He was a 3-year starter at the position of tight end. His 1961 team won the National Championship. 38 years later, the team was presented their Championship rings, of which he was very proud. He was also on the track team, ranking high in the Big Ten in both shot put and discus. In 1962 Bob was drafted by the Buffalo Bills. He began his teaching career in 1964 in Kenton, Ohio, where he met his beloved wife Charlene (Toadie). They were married on December 18, 1965. In 1967, Bob made the move to Ohio Northern University, where he taught and coached football. He remained there until 1974, when he came to Fenton to teach and coach at Fenton High School. He taught biology, heath and physical education until 2001. In his 25 year career at FHS, he coached Freshman basketball to an undefeated season, girls track to two league championships and one regional championship. As assistant football coach, he was part of 3 undefeated teams, coached 5 league championship teams, coached the 1985 All-Star Game and was selected Assistant Coach of the Year in 1986. He was a favorite teacher of many students, a mentor and a friend. In 2008 Bob and his wife Toadie received with great honor the Edward & Nancy Petruska Life Time Achievement in Education Award. He remained an avid Ohio State football fan and supporter throughout his life and loved nothing more than debating the most recent game. He was a long-time football season ticket holder at U of M and also supported Michigan State University, as his daughter was a graduate. His hobbies included collecting vintage OSU postcards and memorabilia, which are proudly displayed in his Ohio State room. He also enjoyed traveling to OSU football venues around the country. Bob was a skilled woodworker and furniture restorer. He refinished many pieces for friends and family, as well as for his own home. Many people enjoyed the hand-crafted Santas and other wood crafts Bob created. A member of the First Presbyterian Church of Fenton, Bob served as a Deacon. He also was involved with the Men's Club and volunteered for numerous church projects. Bob was a member of the ROMEO's (Retired Old Men Eating Out) and was known to frequent the French Laundry and Caf Aroma in the mornings. The greatest joys in Bob's life were his 'girls.' His daughters Paige (Jon) Veihl (of New Lenox, IL) and Amy Jo Middleton (Ferndale, MI), along with his wife Toadie were the lights of his life. He was blessed with two outstanding grandsons, Marc and Joel Veihl, who are following in Bob's athletic footsteps. He is also survived by his brother Jed Middleton (Marion, OH) and his wife Linda, brother-in-law Jack Kellogg, several nieces and many dear friends. He was preceded in death by his sister Saundra Kellogg and his parents. Tributes may be posted on the obituaries page of www.sharpfuneralhomes.com

Visitation

Sunday, June 27, 2010 12:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Sharp Funeral Homes - Fenton Chapel
1000 Silver Lake Road Fenton 48430, United States