Robert Paul Wasson

December 25, 1946 – June 9, 2026

Robert “Bob” Paul Wasson, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend, passed away peacefully on June 9, 2026, at the age of 79. Born on Christmas Day, 1946, in Lodi, Ohio, to Cleo and Joseph Wasson, Bob lived a life defined by love, laughter, and an unshakeable devotion to his family.

Bob grew up in Ohio and graduated from Northwestern High School in 1964. He went on to earn his Bachelor of Science in Mathematics from Kent State University in 1968 — a fitting foundation for a man who loved the precision and logic of a well-played chess match. Following his graduation, Bob proudly served his country in the United States Army from 1968 to 1970. He later added an MBA from Drake University in 1991 to his accomplishments, a testament to his lifelong commitment to learning and growth.

Bob spent the heart of his professional career with Firestone Tire and Rubber Company — later Bridgestone/Firestone — where he served as a Processing Engineer and Production Manager. He brought the same careful, thoughtful approach to his work that he did to everything in life: with patience, precision, and purpose.

Yet if you asked those who knew him best, they would tell you that Bob’s greatest role was the one he played at home. On June 14, 1969, he married the love of his life, Freda, and the two built a beautiful life together over 57 years. His devotion to her was unwavering and evident to everyone around them. He poured that same warmth into raising his children, Chris and Elizabeth, and later into the lives of his grandchildren — Dr. Kade Thompson, Lauren Wasson, and Ava Zapalac — who brought him enormous joy and pride.

Bob had a tremendous sense of humor. He was the kind of man who could light up a room without trying, who made every card game a little more fun and every family gathering a little more memorable. He loved tennis, chess, board games, and card games — any excuse to sit around a table with the people he loved and enjoy some friendly competition. And after all that, he’d happily reward himself with a bowl of strawberry ice cream.

His faith was an important part of who he was. Bob gave generously of his time and heart through Open-M Ministry in Akron, Ohio, Uniontown Methodist Church in Uniontown, Ohio, and Christ United Methodist Church in The Woodlands, Texas. He believed in serving others and showed it quietly, consistently, and sincerely.

Survivors

Bob is survived by his beloved wife, Freda Wasson; his brother, Dwight Wasson; his sister, Helen Raudebaugh; his son, Chris Wasson, and daughter-in-law Tonia Wasson; his daughter, Elizabeth Zapalac, and son-in-law Dr. Ryan Zapalac; his grandchildren, Dr. Kade Thompson, Lauren Wasson, and Ava Zapalac; and numerous cherished nieces, nephews, and cousins who were so dear to him.

Bob Wasson was one of a kind — a man of integrity, humor, and deep love.

He will be profoundly missed and forever held in the hearts of all who were lucky enough to know him.

We love you, Bob. Rest easy.

For those who were unable to attend the service, we warmly invite you to view the funeral through the link provided below.

https://vimeo.com/event/5991748/278d349e08?fl=so&fe=fs