Robert Lee Booth, 89, of Tiffin, passed away Tuesday morning, August 31, 2010 at Mercy Tiffin Hospital.

On June 23, 1921 in Tiffin, he was born to William and Martha (Dendinger) Booth. He married Janet Hartsel on June 17, 1951 in Bettsville, OH.

Survivors include his wife; Janet of 59 years, sons, Dr. Robert Booth Jr. of Perrysburg; Brad Booth of Columbus; daughter, Betty (Dan) Lockard of Ft. Myers, FL; 3 grandchildren, Andrea Lockard of Chicago; Bryan and Chad Lockard of Ft .Myers, FL.

He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers, Russell and Harold and sisters, Ruth, Mildred, and Leota.

Bob was a member of First Christian Church, Disciples of Christ where he taught Sunday School and served as an Elder for many years. He graduated from Tiffin Columbian High School in 1939; Heidelberg University in 1943 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Education and began his career in 1943 at Thompson High School as a teacher, coach and Principal until 1952.

While teaching, he was drafted into the U.S. Army from 1943-1946 serving in Central Europe during the Battle of the Bulge and received the Bronze Star for his heroism. In 1952, he became the Mayor of Tiffin through 1956. As mayor, he was responsible for getting the Route 224 bypass around Tiffin and the construction of the sewer plant for Tiffin. In 1956 he went back into education at Hopewell-Loudon School as a teacher and principal. In 1964, Bob obtained one of the last appointments by President Lyndon Johnson to be Postmaster. He was dedicated to his job. During the Blizzard of 1978, he and Janet loaded the mail in their own vehicles and drove to Mansfield. Bob retired from the Post Office in 1985.

After retirement, Bob continued to volunteer at many organizations including SCAT, Meals on Wheels for 25 years, Chairman for Seneca County Heart Association, President of Seneca County Retired Teachers Association, served on the National Machinery Scholarship Board, President of the National Active and Retired Federal Employees, Chapter 504, Vice-President of the Blanchard Valley Battle of the Bulge Chapter, organized Seneca County Day in Ft. Myers, FL for years, chosen as an outstanding Heidelberg Alumni and Veteran of the year in Seneca County in 1988 and a life member of Tiffin Elks Lodge 94, American Legion 169, and VFW Post 2858. He was well known as the "Tomato Man", harvesting tomatoes left in the fields around Tiffin and delivering them to church members, family, and friends around his neighborhood.

Bob enjoyed traveling, visiting all 50 states, including camping in Alaska for 32 days, traveling to Europe, Canada, and Mexico. He attended 6 Olympics starting in London in 1948 and finishing in Atlanta. Bob was very involved with the Democratic Party, attending the inaugurations of Jimmy Carter and Bill Clinton. He visited the White House when President Carter was in office, receiving a private tour and parking their station wagon on the White House lawn.

Mr. Booth was a dedicated volunteer and loved Tiffin. " I was born and raised in Tiffin. I will die in Tiffin. It is a wonderful community!".

His funeral service is 10:00 AM, Saturday, September 4, 2010, at First Christian Church Disciples of Christ, 2016 S. Co. Road 19, Tiffin, with Pastor Doug DeVos officiating. Burial will follow in Greenlawn Cemetery with military graveside services conducted by the United Veteran's Council.

Friends may visit with the family 2-8 PM, Friday, September 3, 2010, at First Christian Church Disciples of Christ.

Memorial contributions can be made to First Christian Church Disciples of Christ or Seneca County Commission on Aging.

Hoffmann-Gottfried-Mack Funeral Home 419-447-2424 assisted the family with arrangements.

Letters of condolence may be sent, and the guest book signed at www.hgmackfuneralhome.com