Robert J. Fast

Robert J. "Bob" Fast, 99, of Fostoria, passed away Friday, June 30, 2023, at Good Shepherd Home, Fostoria.

Bob was born Nov. 10, 1923, in Lima, to Heaton L. and N. Marie (Rothrock) Fast. The family moved to Fostoria when he was eight years old.

He married Loribel Jean Raymond of Tiffin on May 25, 1946, at St. Jacob's United Church of Christ located near Republic. She passed away Nov. 2, 2008.

Bob's survivors include two sons and their wives, Jeff and Tina of Shaker Heights and Dan and Deb of Indianapolis, Indiana; daughter and her husband, Amy and Chris Qunell of Bonita Springs, Florida; two stepgrandsons, Steven and Nicholas (Krysta Willoughby) Qunell; and stepgreat-grandson, Elias Qunell.

Bob graduated from Fostoria High School in 1941. He obtained an accounting education in the undergraduate and graduate programs of the School of Commerce at The Ohio State University under the G.I. Bill of Rights. He also attended Stanford University and Oregon State University while serving in the military.

He was in U.S. Army for 38 months from 1943-1946. This included serving as staff sergeant/technical in the Signal Corp in World War II's Central Europe and Rhineland areas of operations.

Bob enjoyed three different careers during his lifetime. First, as the area's first practicing certified public accountant from 1954-1965, second from 1961-1981 as a banker with Tri-County National Bank (now known as Key Bank) including serving as President from 1967-1980 and chairman in 1980 until retirement Oct. 31, 1981, and third as a consultant or officer to Fostoria Corporation and other businesses.

He was active in professional organizations, having served as a member of the governing council and board of directors of American Bankers Association and treasurer and director of both Ohio Bankers Association and Toledo Chapter of the Ohio Society of CPA's.

Bob was an active life-long member of Wesley United Methodist Church, having served in many capacities. He was a leader in the church's forming Wesley Village in 1977 and served as President of Wesley Village for over 37 years. In 1997, Bob directed the organization of Wesley Commons by Wesley Village. He also led with Dick Carter the formation of Wesley Memorial Gallery and served on its board since its inception.

He supported Fostoria's youth and schools. He was president of Fostoria Athletic Boosters in 1959 and former board member of Fostoria Junior Baseball when it led the acquisition of Foundation Park. He served as Treasurer of Junior Achievement during 1966-1978.

Bob was also active in other community organizations, having served as chairman of several Fostoria Chamber of Commerce Committees and as trustee of Heidelberg College for eight years and Otterbein Homes of Lebanon, Ohio, for six years. For 20 years, he served as President or treasurer of Fostoria Community Industrial Association (now Fostoria Economic Development Corporation). He served as chairman in 1975-1976 of Fostoria Area Bicentennial Commission and was a past President of Fostoria Rotary Club and Fostoria University Club. He served as campaign chairman of United Way in 1965. He organized Community Concerts of Fostoria and served as its President during 1978-1981. The Chamber of Commerce awarded Bob an honorary lifetime membership in recognition of 25 years of service and named him Citizen of the Year for volunteer services to Fostoria.

Bob was a member of Valley Creek Lodge, Fostoria Country Club, and Elks Lodge.

Bob's public gathering will be 11 a.m. - 12 p.m. Thursday, July 6, 2023, at Mann-Hare-Hoening Funeral Home, 407 N. Countyline Street, Fostoria, Ohio, 44830, where his funeral will be 12 p.m. with the Rev. James Sharrett presiding. Following Bob's funeral, there will be continued fellowship at the Trinity Chapel, 252 W. Tiffin Street, Fostoria. Burial will be private for family at St. Jacob's Cemetery near Republic.

Memorial contributions may be made to Wesley Memorial Gallery, 1200 Van Buren Street, Fostoria, Ohio, 44830, Good Shepherd Home, 725 Columbus Ave., Fostoria, Ohio, 44830, or charity of the donor's choice.

Online expressions of sympathy may be made by visiting www.hoeningfuneralhome.com.