Robert G. Ackley, 87, of East Liberty, passed away Tuesday, Oct. 4, 2016, at his residence with his family by his side.
Born May 16, 1929, in East Liberty, he was a son the late Halley and Blanche LeVan Ackley. On Dec. 10, 1955, in Prospect, he married his wife of 60 years, the former Kathleen Almendinger, and she survives in East Liberty.
Also surviving are his children, Jay (Kristy) Ackley of East Liberty and Janice (Brian) Atterholt of DeGraff; grandchildren, Kris and Kyle Ackley, both of East Liberty, Dylan Atterholt of DeGraff and Paige Atterholt of Clyde; siblings, Dave (Phyliss) Ackley of West Liberty, Shirley Applegate of Marysville, Merle (Becky) Ackley of Zanesfield and Albert Ackley of Bellefontaine; and numerous nieces and nephews.
A graduate of Perry Zane High School, Bob served his country as a cook for the “top brass” in the United States Army from 1952 to 1955 during the Korean War. Upon returning from the service he started a career in farming, and in 1962, he and Kathleen purchased the current farm they operate with their family to this day, now known as Ack-Lee Registered Holsteins. They started out with 20 heifers, added a milking setup and the farm currently milks 120 head of cattle. One of his prouder moments was owning his prize bull, “Ack-Lee Chief Money Maker” that he was able to prove and make part of the Select Sires Program in 1978.
Since 1947, he enjoyed making maple syrup which he learned at the age of 17 and continued making the syrup to this day with the help of his family.
A true gentleman and family man, everything involved his family, from working the farms, to spending time with his grandchildren, to his winter Wednesday night card games. He also enjoyed fishing, studying cow records and attending cow sales and cow shows. Bob was a member of the American Legion Post 745.
Funeral services are at 11 a.m. Monday, Oct. 10, at Wilson Funeral Home-Schnurrenberger Chapel 222 W. Center St., West Mansfield, where calling is from 2 to 4 and from to 6 to 9 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 9.
The Rev. Kathy Reiff officiates and burial is in East Liberty Cemetery.
Memorial contributions can be made to the Logan County Dairy Association for scholarships to area students.
Express condolences at www.wilsonfuneralhomesinc.com.