Robert Edward Bash, 94, went to dobe with his Lord and Savior Wednesday, June 19, 2024, at The PickeringHouse in Lancaster. Robert was born January 20, 1930 in Zanesville to the late Delbert and Hazel (Osborne) Bash. He was a graduate of Adamsville High School and earned a Bachelor’s of Science in Agriculture from The Ohio State University in March 1951.

Robert was a veteran of the Korean War; he served from September 1951 until August 1953, and holds a Bronze Star medal for meritorious achievement and was discharged as a First Lieutenant. He worked for the Ohio Farm Bureau Federation for 42 years. Beginning in Medina in 1953, he served as an Organization Director in Medina and Summit counties until 1960. He served in Muskingum, Morgan, Perry and Washington counties until 1965. He was a regional supervisor in southwest Ohio from 1965 to 1970 and in northwest Ohio from 1970 to 1973.

Robert held a number of positions representing the organization in the Ohio General Assembly and before a number of state agencies. He was the coordinator of the policy development program for a number of years.

He had served as President of the Ohio Alliance for the Environment, a member of the board of trustees for the Water Management Association of Ohio, the Ohio Planning Conference, and several advisory panels to the Ohio EPA, Ohio Department of Natural Resources, and Ohio State University. He was a member of the Soil and Water Conservation Society, American Society of Agricultural Engineers, the Ohio Society of Association Executives and is a life member of The Ohio State University Alumni Association.

Robert served as a member of the USDA Secretary’s Advisory Committee on Animal Damage Control. He was recognized by Governor Rhodes for Distinguished Service in the Farm Bureau Crime Prevention Project. He received the Distinguished Alumni Award from the College of Agricultural Alumni Society and the President’s Award by the Ohio Alliance for the Environment. The Ohio Federation of Soil and Water Districts recognized him for his dedicated leadership in representing Agricultural and Conservation interests in Ohio’s State Legislature and for outstanding service to Ohio’s Soil and Water Conservation Districts.

His service to the Lord was most important to him and he served many ways including Sunday School Teacher, Deacon and building committee member in a number of churches across Ohio. He became a member of Gideons International in 1961 and served in many offices in the organization the remainder of his life. He is currently a member of Calvary Baptist Church in Lancaster and Nettles Island Church, Jensen Beach, FL.

He is survived by his wife, Wanda Banfield-Bash, to whom he had been married to for six years. Also surviving are two sons: David (Terry) Bash of Carroll and Eric Bash of Newark; son in law Tom Bowman of Findlay; two grandchildren: Traci (Wade) Amelung of Powell and Ryan (Crissy) Bash of Chillicothe; and five great grandchildren: Brock Amelung, Alison Amelung, Cameron Bash, Cailynn Bash and Cooper Bash. Other survivors are sisters: Mary Ann Chechowich and Faye Sarbaugh; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Preceding him in death was his first wife of 63 years Glenna Prouty Bash; daughter Beth Ann Bowman; parents: Delbert and Hazel Bash; and two brothers in law: Leon Chechowich and Jack Sarbaugh.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The Gideons International, PO Box 574, Lancaster, OH 43130 or Calvary Baptist Church, 1910 Marietta Road, Lancaster, OH 43130.

Calling hours will be held 5 to 7 PM Saturday, June 22, at the Calvary Baptist Church, 1910 Marietta Road, Lancaster and from 10 to 12PM Monday, June 24 at THE SNOUFFER FUNERAL HOME, 1150 WEST MILITARY ROAD, ZANESVILLE. Funeral services will begin at Noon in the Snouffer Chapel with Pastor Matthew Nihiser and Pastor Ryan Bash officiating. Burial will follow in New Hope Cemetery with full military honors by VFW Post #1058 and the American Legion Post #29.