Robert Christopher Logan, Sr., died March 31, 2016, three days short of his 91st birthday. He was born April 3, 1925 in Dayton, Ohio. He was the son of Howard M. 'Doc' and Virginia N. Head Logan. Before moving to Chambersburg with his family in 1954, he lived in Franklin, Ohio and Pittsburgh, Butler (Butler High School Class of 1944), Clearfield, and Oil City. He was married for 66 years to Ruth Winkelman Logan, who preceded him in death on October 2, 2013.
His children are Katherine M. Logan Schepis (Frank J.), Robert C. Logan, Jr. (Nancy E.), Ralph M. Logan, and Ruthie Logan Davenport (Frank), all of Chambersburg. He was PopPop to seven beloved grandchildren who were his pride and joy: Michael J. Schepis, Krista K. Schepis (Tina M. Scott), Eric N. Logan (Valerie H.), Carrie R. Logan (Kyle Lampert), Jane L. Himelfarb (Aaron L.), F. Ryan Davenport (Stephanie A.), and Linde R. Miller (Travis J.), as well as great-grandchildren Mason A. Logan, Madeline R. and Claire O. Himelfarb, and London R. Davenport.
In addition to his parents and wife, brothers, Howard, Dick, and Ralph, and baby sister, Margaret preceded him in death. Surviving him are sisters, Marian L. Hays Wanstreet and Martha L. Baynum.
A naval veteran of WWII, Bob trained for one year to become a radioman after completing basic training. In June 1944, he joined the crew of the Fletcher class destroyer, U.S.S. Claxton, DD-571, which engaged in the notable Battle of Leyte Gulf, which is regarded as a final turning point of the war in the Pacific. In addition to his radioman duties, Bob manned the director position on the forward 40mm anti-aircraft battery. The Claxton sustained heavy damage as the first destroyer attacked by a kamikaze suicide bomber.
While working at the Armco Steel mill, and hitchhiking 50 miles each way from Butler, Bob graduated using the GI Bill from the University of Pittsburgh in 1950 with a degree in Health, Physical Education and Biology. He was the YMCA Physical Education Director in Clearfield and Oil City and created their summer day camps, taught at the local Central, Faust and CASHS schools and coached track in the late 1950s when the Trojans had their first home meet under the lights and five records were broken. That season was then ranked as the most outstanding in the history of the school. During summers he was the Borough's Recreational Playground Director. For many years he taught Sunday school at St. Paul's Methodist church. He left teaching for a career representing Monarch Life Insurance and Dunn & Bradstreet.
Bob developed a passion for photography helping his grandfather develop glass plates and print images in his studio, a hobby he pursued forever. He was a charter member of the local Y's Men's Club and The Road Runners, officiated at swim meets, hunted with his sons, and loved walking with dogs Penny and then Dij at his side. Bob and Ruth were American Red Cross certified lifeguards who worked together at lakes and pools, saving several lives. Bob and siblings exchanged letters their entire lives, and he wrote scads of letters-to-the-editor on topics from A-Z. He loved playing poker at family reunions and get-togethers.
His children and grandchildren will remember him as the best story teller and practical joker ever.
The family wishes to express their gratitude to the entire staff of The Village of Laurel Run, who became Bob's second family for the past two years as he read, recited poetry, sang and played his harmonica.