Robert Wareham, Class of 1952

Robert Wareham ’52 died June 8, 2022. Bob was born September 15, 1930, in Swissvale, Pennsylvania to the late David Calvin and Maude Lavina (Bish) Wareham. He studied at Otterbein College where he was in the “O” Club, Pi Beta Sigma (Pi Sig) fraternity, and History club. He met his wife, the late Sarah “Sally” Hall ’54 while attending Otterbein. After graduating, Bob served in the Air Force during the Korean War and married Sally in 1954. After serving Bob and Sally moved to the Findlay area where he taught at Vanlue High School, then Liberty-Benton. He retired from Findlay City Schools in 1982 after teaching for almost 30 years.

He taught chemistry, physics, and higher math at Liberty-Benton until teaching at Donnell. While teaching math and science, Bob got his master’s degree in history. He was awarded the Martha Jennings Scholarship award for providing an enriching learning environment and empowering his students to learn and develop to become responsible and contributing individuals.

Bob’s students fondly remember his “little Willy” jokes and competitions for chocolate bars. In addition to teaching, he also served as athletic director and track coach. He was enormously proud of all of his students’ successes. Bob’s children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren were the primary focus of his life.

In retirement, Bob thoroughly enjoyed playing golf and playing cards, although he did neither very well. He volunteered for years as a driver for Meals on Wheels. He was also a lifelong student of history. Bob was a founding member of Christ Church United Methodist which later merged with Journey. Bob never knew a stranger and opened his heart, wallet, and home to those in need. Bob’s optimism and easy-going nature made the world around him a brighter, better place.

Along with his wife and parents, Bob was predeceased by his brother David Charles Wareham; brother-in-law Alan Hall ’62, Wayne Shaw ’60 and sister-in-law Alice Hall ’61 Shaw.
He is survived by his children Sande (Matt) Theis, Robert (June) Wareham, Bradley (Meg) Wareham, and Brian (Jenny) Wareham. He is also survived by his grandchildren Justin, Kate, Chelsea, Morgan, Cody, Colin, and Evan Wareham and David Johnson as well as great-grandchildren, Willow Wareham, Rachel Mackenzie Grace Johnson, and Josephina Emmaline Johnson.