Obituaries

Longtime Avon Lake Cable Host, Robert "Bob" Bolen, Passes Away

Longtime Avon Lake involved in many facets of the community.

Robert E. Bolen, 85, of Avon Lake passed away June 5, 2012 following a brief illness. Mr. Bolen was born Nov. 9, 1926 in Fremont, OH and had lived in Avon Lake since 1956.

After graduation from Fremont Ross High School, Mr. Bolen was drafted into the United States Army at the tail end of WWII and became a member of
the Occupying Army in Japan. After his honorable discharge from the Army, he received his undergraduate degree from The Ohio State University and began a career in education.

Mr. Bolen taught English, Speech, Communication and Theater at Liberty Center High  School, Miamisburg High School and Lawrenceburg, Indiana High School before coming to Avon Lake in 1956. He continued teaching while
studying summers to completed his Masters degree in Speech at The Ohio State University and would teach at Avon Lake until his retirement in 1984.

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Besides his regular class duties for many years he was the advisor for the school play, the Yearbook, the Shorelog and took student to complete in One Act Plays at state competition, in which his students were quite successful. During the summer months, Mr. Bolen continued to educate young people as a member of the staff at Baldwin Wallace Collage and working for the Avon Lake City Recreation Department.

In addition to being an involved teacher Mr. Bolen was an active member of his community. He was a member of the serving the church in many capacities, including holding leadership positions.

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He was a member and president of the Board, a Red Coat Usher at Playhouse Square, Cleveland and served as president of the North East Lorain County Social Services Agency and their Meals on Wheels Program.

In keeping with his love of theater, Mr. Bolen was an active member of the Mighty Goliath Players, directing over 15 productions. He also was instrumental in putting on plays as part of the Old Firehouse Theater.

Many would know Bob Bolen as the host of Around and About Avon Lake airing for many years on Avon Lake Community Television.

After retirement Mr. Bolen and his wife Doris joined the Peace Corp, serving for two years in Tunisia, teaching English as well as providing instruction on proper agricultural techniques. Bob was described by his family as one who was both community and people oriented. He was most honored in his later years as his students still visited him. Avon Oaks Skilled Care Facility highlighted his talents by making him responsible for
delivering the Joke of the Day.

Mr. Bolen is survived by three children, Judith Bolen Weishampel of Towson, MD; Douglas R. Bolen (Kathy) of Sheffield Lake and Victoria Bolen (Faysal Ghrabat) of Cleveland. He is also survived by five grandchildren Sarah, Amy, Aziz, Sumyiah, and Alaa'deen. Other survivors include his sister Donna Jean Otten (Henry) of Coronado, CA and brother Donald J. Bolen (Joan) of Fremont.

He was preceded in 2005 by his wife of 54 years, Doris (nee Rhodes) and parents Edgar J. and Lucile C. (nee Fry) Bolen.

Friends may call at the Busch Funeral Home, 163 Avon-Belden Rd., Avon Lake, Friday, June 8 from 6 p.m. - 9 p.m.

The Funeral Service will be Saturday, June 10 at the Avon Lake United Church of Christ, 32801 Electric Blvd., Avon Lake at 11:00am. Rev. Kelly Brill of the Church will officiate.

Interment will follow at Resthaven Memory Gardens, Avon. The family suggests memorial contributions be forwarded to the
church.


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