Robert Olen Lantz

Robert Olen Lantz, 91, of Fairborn, Ohio passed away of natural causes in his daughter’s home on Tuesday, October 31, 2017. Robert was born January 9th, 1926 in Mason City, Iowa to Ray Irving Lantz and Ruby Osborn. On October 28th, 1947 he was married to Katherine Mary Farley of Athens, Ohio in Wilmington, Ohio. Robert started his career in 1944 with the Army Air Corp in the European Theater, WWII. After being honorably discharged from the Army, he continued his career with the National Weather Service working on project “Thunderstorm”. In 1951 he went to work for the Air Force at Old Wright Field, Building 65. In 1968 he won the Air Force “Man of the Month” award and in 1972 was awarded the Air Force’s Outstanding Unit Award. Robert retired in 1981 after 35 years of total service to our country. Robert was a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 8437, the American Legion Post 526 and The Knights of Columbus. Robert was preceded in death by his parents, sister, and loving wife of 57 years. He is survived by 5 children and their spouses, Lawrence & Susan Lantz of Springfield, Ohio, Thomas & Alice Lantz of Springfield, Ohio, Katherine & Ronald Holden of Union, SC, Donna & Jerry Mowles of Fairborn (where he resided in his last years), and Bridget & Ted Schaefer of Fairborn, Ohio; 13 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews and Shelly Copley of Fairborn, Ohio, companion and caregiver. Viewing will be held at Burcham Tobias Funeral Home, 119 E. Main St., Fairborn, Ohio on Saturday, November 4, 2017 from 10 AM until 12 PM followed by graveside services at Fairfield Cemetery, 720 Clover St. Fairborn, Ohio. Condolences may be expressed at www.burchamtobiasfuneralhome.com.