Robert E. Gleason
Robert E. Gleason, age 69 of North Canton and formerly of New Philadelphia, died Wednesday, May 2, 2018, in Aultman Hospital at Canton following an extended illness.
Born at Aultman Hospital on May 15, 1948, Bob was a son of the late William E. and Florence E. Matthews Gleason.
Following high school, Bob entered the United States Army, where he served his country during Vietnam. For more than 20 years, Bob worked in the coal-mining industry. He was later employed by Wal-Mart at New Philadelphia, where he was given the name, Bob the Builder, as he worked in the product assembly department.
Bob was a life member of the Handyman Club of America, The American Legion Post 0888 and the AARP.
Bob is survived by his companion of 23 years, Mary Jo Haney; his children, Letisha Wells of Freeport and William (Carolyn) Bennett of North Canton; his grandchildren, Alisha VanNess, Trenton (Emily) Bennett, Jennifer (Brian) Lewis, Randy (companion, Tiffany Kent) Cox and Jackie Kent; and his great-grandchildren, Kaylee, McKenzie, Zoe, Brooklynn, Austin, Dillon, Darren, Dallas, Dakota and Lynnix Jade.
Completing the family are his siblings, Gerald Gleason of Gnadenhutten, Thomas (Sue) Gleason of Florida, Richard J. Gleason of Dover and Linda Pruitt of California as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, Bob was preceded in death by his sister-in-law, Cathy Gleason, and his in-laws, Robert W. Bennett and Jean Ripley Campbell Bennett.
In keeping with Bob’s wishes, private services will be held with cremation to follow through the care of Geib’s Tuscarawas Valley Crematory.
Those wishing to do so may send the family a personal condolence and light a candle in remembrance of Bob by visiting the funeral home’s website at www.GeibCares.com.