Robert Haas Obituary

Robert L. "Bob" Haas

Apr 20, 2023

Willard

Coach Robert L. "Bob" Haas, 82, of Willard, went to be with our Heavenly Father on Thursday, April 20, 2023.

Having two devoted caregivers, Hollie and Wanda, allowed Coach to remain in his home, despite his declining health. He joined his beloved wife, Sandra S (Lutz) Haas, after 596 days of being apart from her.

Bob was born Aug. 25, 1940, in Galion, to Lloyd E and Mary E (Quaintance) Haas. He joined his older sister, Carol Lauthers Long. The farm family grew to include his brother, Roger (Dorothy) Haas, and sister, Norene (Rick) Bard, all living in Bucyrus. Bob married his childhood sweetheart, Sandra, on Sept. 6, 1959, thus adding father- and mother-in-law, Arlo and Lois (Harrer) Lutz to his family circle. Rounding that out were Sandy's siblings, brother, Ron (Connie) Lutz, and sister, Dana (Dave) Young also in Bucyrus, except for sister, Elaine Lutz, deceased.

Bob and Sandy had a family of their own, daughters, Michele "Shelly" (Dennis) Weilnau of Milan and Melinda "Lindy" (Kenneth) Richmond of Oregon, Ohio. Additionally, the family includes five grandchildren, Heather Weilnau of Cincinnati, Heidi McCord of Milan, Heath (Carla) Weilnau of Milan, Brian (Sierra) Richmond of Findlay, and Benjamin Richmond of Oregon, Ohio, and five great-grandchildren, Cole, Maylie, and Thea Weilnau, and Elena and Ian McCord, all of Milan.

Bob and Sandy graduated together from North Robinson High School in 1958. Bob earned a Bachelor's and Master's from The Ohio State University in 1962 and 1967, respectively. Bob taught math at Groveport High School from 1962-1963, Southeastern High School, South Charleston, from 1963-1969, Northeastern High School, Springfield, Ohio, from 1969-1971, and Willard High School, from 1971-1993. He retired from Willard as assistant principal. He was also the head basketball coach for 22 years. Bob was a member of First United Methodist Church, Willard, R.O.M.E.O.'s club, and Gideons.

Coach Haas' career basketball record was 522-114, giving him a winning percentage of 82%. At Willard, he was 441-74 with a winning percentage of 85.6%. Additionally, his accomplishments at Willard included five undefeated regular seasons, seven Northern Ohio League championships, six additional NOL championships, three co-NOL championships, five NOL runners-up finishes, 17 sectional championships, 11 district championships, three regional championships, four regional runners-up finishes, and three Final Four state tournament appearances. His teams still hold the state record of 69 straight regular-season wins (2/23/1979 - 12/28/1982). In 2012, the five teams that won these games were inducted into Ohio Basketball Hall of Fame.

Coach Haas' awards also include eight District 6 AA Coach of the Year awards, three District 6 Division II Coach of the Year awards, two Ohio Boys Basketball Coaches Assn. Coach of the Year awards, Ohio Boys Basketball Coaches Assn. Co-Coach of the Year award, four UPI AA Coach of the Year or Co-Coach awards, and two AP AA Coach of the Year or Co-Coach awards. In 1991, inducted into first Willard High School Sports Hall of Fame and in 1996, was inducted into Ohio High School Basketball Coaches Hall of Fame. In 2015, Bob was inducted into Crawford County Sports Hall of Fame. In 2010, the Willard High School gym was named Robert L. Haas Gymnasium. Bob and Sandy enjoyed many exciting contests here, including play from most of their great-grandchildren!

Underlying all this success, there were hours of detailed planning and an incredible amount of hard work by Coach and countless others, most especially his beloved players. Bob truly cared about each person he came into contact with and faithfully maintained his top priority, which was to inspire each of his young men to reach his full potential in life. Coach Haas' faith in Christ guided his values and priorities and that allowed him to influence many lives through basketball.

Coach Haas excelled at both team and relationship building. As a result, the Willard community bonded together to show its support each season. Bob and Sandy treasured living in Willard for more than 50 years. The tremendous love and support they received was so great that they never needed to leave.

Visitation will be 2-5 p.m. Sunday, April 23, 2023, at Robert L Haas Gymnasium, Willard, 1-3 and 6-8 p.m. Monday, April 24, 2023, at First United Methodist Church, and 10 a.m. Tuesday, April 25, 2023, until the time of Bob's funeral at 11:30 a.m. at the church. Pastor Michael Padula will conduct the funeral. There will be no "officiating" for this service, as per Coach Haas' request! Burial will be at Oakwood Cemetery, Bucyrus.

In place of flowers, living gifts in honor and memory of Coach may be sent to First United Methodist Church or Willard High School basketball.

Online condolences can be made to his family by visiting www.secorfuneralhomes.com.