Willard, Ohio’s Coach Robert L Haas, 82, went to be with our Heavenly Father on Thursday, April 20, 2023. Having two devoted caregivers, Hollie and Wanda, allowed Coach to remain in his home, despite his declining health. He joined his beloved wife, Sandra S (Lutz) Haas after 596 days of being apart from her.
On August 25, 1940 in Galion, Ohio, Bob was born to Lloyd E and Mary E (Quaintance) Haas. He joined his older sister, Carol Lauthers Long, then the farm family grew to include his brother, Roger (Dorothy) Haas and sister, Norene (Rick) Bard, all living in Bucyrus, Ohio. Bob married his childhood sweetheart, Sandra, on September 6, 1959; thus adding father and mother-in-law, Arlo and Lois (Harrer) Lutz to his family circle. Rounding that out were Sandy’s siblings, brother Ron (Connie) Lutz and sister Dana (Dave) Young also in Bucyrus, except for sister, Elaine Lutz, deceased.
Bob and Sandy had a family of their own: daughters, Michele/Shelly (Dennis) Weilnau of Milan, Ohio and Melinda/Lindy (Kenneth) Richmond of Oregon, Ohio. Additionally, the family includes: 5 grandchildren, Heather Weilnau of Cincinnati, Ohio, Heidi McCord of Milan, Heath (Carla) Weilnau of Milan, Brian (Sierra) Richmond of Findlay, Ohio and Benjamin Richmond of Oregon, Ohio; plus 5 great grandchildren, Cole, Maylie and Thea Weilnau and Elena and Ian McCord, all of Milan.
Bob and Sandy graduated together from North Robinson High School in 1958. Bob earned a Bachelor’s and Master’s from the Ohio State University in 1962 and 1967, respectively. Bob taught Math at Groveport HS, Groveport, Ohio from 1962-1963; Southeastern HS, South Charleston, Ohio from 1963-1969; Northeastern HS, Springfield, Ohio from 1969-1971 and Willard HS, from 1971-1993. He retired from WHS as Assistant Principal where he had also been the head basketball coach for 22 years. Bob was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Willard, the R.O.M.E.O.’s club and the Gideons.
Coach Haas’ career basketball wins were 522 and losses were 114 giving him a winning percentage of 82%. At Willard High School his wins were 441 and losses were 74 with a winning percentage of 85.6%. Additionally, his accomplishments at Willard High School included 5 Undefeated Regular Seasons; 7 NOL Undefeated Championships (14-0); 6 NOL Championships; 3 Co-NOL Championships; 5 NOL Runner-ups; 17 Sectional Championships; 11 District Championships; 3 Regional Championships; 4 Regional Runner-ups and 3 Final Four State Tournament appearances. His teams still hold the state record of 69 Straight Regular Season Wins (2/23/1979-12/28/1982). In 2012 the five teams that won these games were inducted into the Ohio Basketball Hall of Fame.
Coach Haas’ awards also include; 8-District 6 AA Coach of the Year; 3-District 6 Division II Coach of the Year; 2-Ohio Boys Basketball Coaches Assn. Coach of the Year; 1-Ohio Boys Basketball Coaches Assn. Co-Coach of the Year; 4- UPI AA Coach of the Year or Co-Coach; 2- AP AA Coach of the Year or Co-Coach; 1991 inducted into the 1st Willard High School Sports Hall of Fame; 1996 inducted into Ohio High School Basketball Coaches Hall of Fame; and in 2015, Bob was inducted into the Crawford County Sports Hall of Fame. In 2010 the Willard High School gym was named the Robert L Haas Gymnasium. Bob and Sandy enjoyed many exciting contests here, including play from most of their great grandchildren!
Underlying all this success there were hours of detailed planning and an incredible amount of hard work by Coach and countless others, most especially his beloved players. Bob truly cared about each person he came into contact with and faithfully maintained his top priority, to inspire each of his young men to reach his full potential in life. Coach Haas’ faith in Christ guided his values and priorities, and that allowed him to influence many lives through basketball.
Coach Haas excelled at both team and relationship building. As a result, the Willard community bonded together to show its support each season. Bob and Sandy treasured living in Willard for more than 50 years. The tremendous love and support they received was so great, they never needed to leave.
Visitation will be on Sunday, April 23, 2023 from 2:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. at the Robert L Haas Gymnasium in Willard, Ohio. Visitation will then resume on Monday, April 24, 2023 from 1:00 p.m. until 3:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church in Willard, Ohio and Tuesday, April 25, 2023 from 10:00 a.m. until the time of his funeral service at 11:30 a.m. at the First United Methodist Church in Willard by Pastor Michael Padula. (There will be no “officiating” for this service, as per Coach Haas’ request!) The burial will be at the Oakwood Cemetery in Bucyrus, Ohio. In place of flowers, Living Gifts in honor & memory of Coach may be sent to the First United Methodist Church or to Willard High School Basketball.
Online condolences can be made to his family by visiting www.secorfuneralhomes.com.