Robert William Hake

ROBERT WILLIAM HAKE, age 81, of Eaton, Ohio, died Sunday, July 9, 2006 at his residence. Born on March 7, 1925 in Hamilton, Ohio, he was the son of the late Fred W. & Flora C. (Rodler) Hake. He married Juanita Mangen on June 2, 1951. Robert proudly served in the Army Air Force during World War II as a tail gunner with the 8th Air Force, 385th Bomb Group, B-17 “In Like Flynn”. He flew in 21 missions with over 200 hours in the air while stationed in Great Ashfield, England. During his time in the service he was awarded the following service medals; European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign, Victory of WW II, Army Good Conduct, American Campaign, and Honorable Service. Robert was called to duty when he turned 18 prior to completion of high school. He received his diploma in 2003, when Eaton High School recognized local veterans who did not receive their diplomas. Robert continued to support veterans and was a member of the 385th Bomb Group Memorial Association, The Mighty Eighth Air Force Heritage Museum in Savannah, GA, and the Commemorative Air Force. After his military service, Robert returned to Preble County where he enjoyed success in multiple jobs. Robert worked in farming, tool & die manufacturing, and was active in construction with his four sons. He retired in 2000 from the Mutual Tool & Die Company. Preceded in death by daughter: Ann Renee Hake-Shaeff; brother: Carey Hake; sisters: Audrey Watren, Mary Hake Dunham, and Mary Louise Hake; brother-in-law: Floyd Watren.

Survived by his wife of 55 years: Juanita (Mangen) Hake; sons & daughters-in-law: Thomas & Carol Hake of Okeana, OH, Richard & Lori Hake of Springboro, OH, James & Susan Hake of Delaware OH, and Jeffrey & Sun Cha Hake of Lynchburg, VA; daughters & sons-in-law: Linda & Dale Collins of Brookville, OH, Paula & Dennis Gunning of Effingham, IL, Lisa & Dan Long of Eugene, OR, Gail & John Theobald of McCordsville, IN, Elaine & Kyle Kesler of Olathe, KS, and Judy & Darrell Deaton of Lewisburg, WV; brothers & sisters-in-law: John & Eleanor Hake of Eaton, OH, James & Barbara Hake of Lewisburg, OH, Joanne Hake of Eaton, OH; sisters & brothers-in-law: Sylvia & James McCloud of Brunswick, GA, Patricia & Robert Rudkin of Malakoff, TX, Christine & Nick Barga of St. Augustine, FL, and Edward & Karla Dunham of Ponte Vedra, FL; 23 grandchildren: Lauren, Jameson, Nicholas, Ashley, Adam, Austin, Michael, Elizabeth, Timothy, Sarah, Allison, Daniel, Andrea, Christen, Jennifer, Kimberlee, Branden, Robert, Emily, Kyra, Kamryn, Katie, Hannah; five great grandchildren: Gabrielle, Olivia, Shelby, Jamie, and Rylie; numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Funeral Mass will be held on Wednesday, July 12, 2006 - 12:00 p.m. at the Visitation Catholic Church - 407 East Main Street - Eaton, Ohio with Father David Vincent officiating. Interment will be held at Mound Hill Union Cemetery with full military honors provided by the Preble County Honor Guard. Family will receive friends on Tuesday, July 11, 2006 from 5 - 8 p.m. at Barnes Funeral Home - 220 East Main Street - Eaton, Ohio. Memorial Contributions may be made to The Mighty Eighth Air Force Heritage Museum - PO Box 1992 - Savannah, GA 31402 or to the St. Jude’s Children's Research Hospital - 501 St. Jude Place - Memphis, TN 38105. Condolences may be sent to the family Guest Book at www.barnesfuneralhome.com