Obituary of Robert D. Lofland

Robert D. Lofland, age 76, of Venice, formerly of Salem, Sebring and Damascus, Ohio, passed away at the Venice Regional Medical Center. He was born in Sebring, Ohio to the late Theodore M. and Esther (Dunlap) Lofland on June 14, 1931. Robert graduated from the former Goshen Union High School in 1949. He later graduated from Mt. Union College in 1956, where he earned a BA degree. In 1960 he graduated from Kent State University with an MLS degree. Robert taught one year at Canton South High School in Canton, Ohio. Mr. Lofland served in the U.S. Army from 1952-1954, spending a little over a year in Japan. He was a life member of the National Education Association and a member of the Damascus Methodist Church for many years. After retiring in 1984, he retired to Venice, Florida after living most of his life in Salem, Sebring, and Damascus area. Joining him in Florida was his long time friend and companion, Walter D. Eyster, who predeceased him on August 24, 2006. He is survived by his two brothers, Keith (Martha) Lofland of Salem, Ohio and Duane (Diane) Lofland of Asheville, North Carolina; five nieces and nephews, eleven great nieces and great nephews. He is also survived by the children of Walter whom he helped raise, Darlene (William) Davis of East Liverpool, Ohio; Jane Flanigan of Salem, Ohio; Colleen (Don) Smith of Zephyrhills, Florida and Gary (Sally) Eyster of Enid, Oklahoma. Robert was an avid reader and he enjoyed walking, playing cards, gardening and helping others. Funeral Services will be held Monday, July 30, 2007 in Salem, Ohio with burial to follow at Washingtonville Cemetery in Washingtonville, Ohio. Farley Funeral Home in Venice is handling the arrangements. Friends may visit anytime online at www.farleyfuneralhome.com to sign guest register book and extend condolences to the family.