Robert Burson Will

Robert Burson Will, 77, of McArthur, passed away Wednesday, November 28, 2007 at Ohio State University Medical Center in Columbus. He was born December 31, 1929 in Athens, Ohio, son of the late Robert Buskirk and Helen Burson Will.

Bob was a 1947 graduate of McArthur High School. He graduated Phi Beta KAPPA from Miami University of Oxford, Ohio in 1951, where he was a member of the Sigma Nu Fraternity. He served in the United States Navy from 1952-1954. Bob was a member of Delta Lodge #207 F&AM, Scottish Rite Valley of Columbus, he was a 33rd Degree Mason, a member of McArthur Chapter #102 Royal Arch Masons, Trowel Council #71 Royal and Select Masons and Jackson Commandery #53 Knights Templar. He was a member of the Ohio Forestry Association and served on the University of Rio Grande Board of Directors.

Bob started his banking career as a teller at the Vinton County National Bank in 1954, and advanced to President and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Vinton County National Bank. Under his leadership, the bank grew from one office in McArthur to twelve banking centers in six counties in Ohio. He graduated from the Stonier Graduate School of Banking. At the time of his death, he was Chairman of the Board of Directors of Community Bancshares.

Bob was a life long member of Trinity Episcopal Church in McArthur and enjoyed many hours with his horses, hunting dogs and family picnics at the cabin.

Bob is survived by his loving wife of 54 years, Ruth Dunlap Will; four daughters, Emily Mike Oyer of Williamsport, Ohio, Kathleen Richard Schulz of Decatur, Georgia, Laura Steve Landucci of Bakersfield, California and Margaret Will of Washington, D.C.; one son, Thomas Kathie Will of Lancaster; one sister, Sara Frank Crow of McArthur and eleven grandchildren, Thomas, Matthew and Abigail Oyer, Amelia, Robert and Mary Caroline Schulz, Mira and Gianna Landucci and Jessica, Aaron and Julia Will.

The Celebration of Life will be held 11 A.M., Saturday, December 1, 2007 at the Trinity Episcopal Church, 202 W. High St., McArthur, with Rev. Father Bill Pursley officiating. Interment will be in Elk Cemetery, McArthur with military graveside services being conducted by the Vinton County VFW Post #5299. Friends may call at the Garrett-Cardaras Funeral Home, 201 W. High St., McArthur on Friday, from 2-4 and 6-8 P.M. and on Saturday, one hour prior to the services at the church. Masonic services will be held Friday at 7:30 P.M.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions be made to The University of Rio Grande in memory of Robert Will, Institutional Advancement, PO Box 500, Rio Grande, Ohio, 45674 or The Trinity Episcopal Church in memory of Robert Will, 202 W. High St., McArthur, Ohio 45651.

Please sign his online guestbook at www.cardaras.com