Robert W. Core passed away on January 12, 2023, at his home, at the age of 82.  He was born on June 15, 1940 in Toledo, Ohio to Henry R. and Mary B. (Bauer) Core, both who preceded him in death.  On December 22, 1962 he married Billie G. Hilty who survives.  They had just celebrated their 60 ^th wedding anniversary.  He was richly blessed with five children, all who survive him: Patricia M. Smith of Ft. Wayne, IN; Beth A. Seibert (Bill Miron) of Lima; Bonita R. (Rob) Bentley of Grand Junction, CO; Brad J. (Brenda) Core and Bobbi J. (Bill) Sidey both of rural Spencerville.  His blessings included 15 grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren.  His only sibling, Janice A. (Don) Graessle, preceded him in death.

Mr. Core was a farmer and retired teacher.  He was a 1958 honor graduate of Spencerville High School and a 1962 graduate of The Ohio State University with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Agricultural Education.  While at OSU, he served two years in the US Army Reserve Officer Training Corp.

Robert held teaching certificates in the areas of Agricultural Production, Farm Management, Animal Science, Vocational Education, Adult Education, High School and Grades 7-12, Agri-Science, General Science, Biological Sciences and Computer Science.  Core's 25 year career as a Vo-Ag teacher, FFA advisor and YFA advisor was conducted at Shawnee and Spencerville High Schools.  His passion was in assisting his students develop through proficiency contests, awards, degrees and travels.  Himself, Core earned the degree of State Farmer in 1957, had been inducted into Honorary Membership in 1981 by his Spencerville FFA students, and was bestowed the honor of Outstanding Agricultural Educator by the Ohio Vocational Agriculture Teachers Association in 1993.

Core's career and lifetime accomplishments and honors were numerous.  Highlights included his 2018 induction into the Allen County Agricultural Hall of Fame by the Lima Allen County Chamber of Commerce, and his 2009 induction into the Allen County Agricultural Society (Allen County Fair) Hall of Fame.  He was a charter member of the Spencerville FFA Alumni and a life member of the state and national FFA Alumni organizations.  Elected to two terms on the Spencerville School Board, he served as vice president and president.  He was a past president of the Spencerville Chamber of Commerce.  Core was a past President and Vice President of the Spencerville High School Alumni Association and was honored as one of its "Outstanding Alumni".  He was a member of The Ohio State University Alumni Association and an avid "Buckeye".

Robert was a fifth generation owner operator of an Ohio Dept. of Ag Century & Sesquicentennial Farm in Amanda Township.  In 1991 he restored the brick home, an Ohio Historical Landmark built by his great great grandfather, George Washington Richardson in 1878.  Core was an avid researcher of the family genealogy, documenting the home farm history and proudly hosting the annual Core family reunion.

There will be a visitation from 2:00-8:00 P.M. on Monday, January 16, 2023 at Thomas E. Bayliff Funeral Home in Spencerville. His funeral service will take place at Thomas E. Bayliff Funeral Home at 11:00 A.M. on Tuesday, January 17, 2023 with an hour of visitation prior to the service. Pastor Neal Whitney will be officiating the service.  Burial will be in the Hartford Cemetery near Spencerville. Memories may be shared and viewed by visiting www.baylifffuneral.com .

Memorial contributions can be made to "Spencerville FFA Alumni" and mailed to 201 N. Broadway St., Spencerville, OH 45887.