Robert L. Souers

Robert L. "Bob" Souers, 93, a lifelong resident of Dover passed away early Friday morning, May 13, 2016 in the Park Village Health Care Center at Dover.

Bob retired in 1985 from the Reeves Steel Company (Empire Detroit) and had previously worked for Warner and Swasey and the Timken Company.

Born January 23, 1923 in Dover, he was the son of the late Louis D. and Clara (Swonger Riley) Souers.

He graduated in 1941 from Dover High School where he played football. He was a member of the First Moravian Church at Dover and previously served in numerous capacities at the former South Moravian Church. He was an avid sports enthusiast having played several seasons with the Bill Gross baseball teams. He also managed Dover Little League baseball teams for several years and one of the originators of the Dover Baseball League. He also assisted the late Harold Ramsey as a Dover football scout. He previously served on the Dover City Council and was a member of the Dover VFW Post 3463.

Of all of Bob's accomplishments, he is most proud of his service to his country. He was a squad leader with the 195th battalion with the Second Armored Division in the U.S. Army during World War II (Hell On Wheels) and fought in the Battle of the Bulge. He received five campaign stars and saw combat in France, Belgium, Holland, and Germany. He was also awarded the Belgium Foursquare from the government of Belgium for his actions to free the country. He also received the French Liberation and French Jubilee citation. He served 35 months that included 24 months overseas.

Bob married the love of his life Helen (Boich) Souers on June 17, 1948 and were married 62 years until her passing on Feb. 6, 2010. He will be sadly missed by his family that includes his son and daughter in law, Jeff and Suzanne Souers of Wooster; a granddaughter, Gretchen N. (Ben Berndt) of Copley and a sister, Mary Jane (Paul "Bud") Aeschliman of Venice, Florida.
In addition to his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by his grandson, Zachary.

Funeral services will be held Wednesday, May 18, 2016 beginning at 1pm with Rev. John Wallace officiating. Interment will be in the Dover Burial Park where the Dover VFW will conduct military honors. A reception will follow in the Dover First Moravian Church. Friends may call at the Toland-Herzig Funeral Home & Crematory in Dover on Tuesday from 5-7pm. Those unable to attend or who may wish to express a fond memory of Bob can sign the online guestbook by visiting the "obituaries and flowers" link on the funeral home website at www.tolandherzig.com

Bob's family would like to thank the staff at Park Village for their wonderful care.

Memorials may be made to the Dover American Legion Boys State Fund, c/o Jesse Reese, 405 W. 15th St., Dover, Ohio 44622 or the First Moravian Church, 319 N. Walnut St., Dover, Ohio 44622.