Robert D. Theis

Robert D. Theis, best known for his love of family, his faith and ornery sense of humor died suddenly Friday, Jan. 31, 2020, at his home. He was 55.
Bob or “Bobby’’ as family called him, took pride in the relationships he built, and was known as the glue that united his extended family and friends.
But he cherished his wife, Monica, and their children above all else.
Always generous with his time and hospitality, Bob and Monica frequently hosted gatherings for family and friends who became family. She always provided lavish spreads and Bob offered guided tours of the rec room where his collection of sports memorabilia was proudly displayed and explained.
After graduating from John F. Kennedy High School in 1982, Bob joined the United States Air Force and was stationed in Germany. He often talked fondly of his European travels, and when he discovered that a German named Theis had resisted the Nazis he sent home photographic evidence and a note that said, “I knew we were with the good guys.’’
Bob returned home in 1985 to follow his father and grandfather into the steelmaking business, joining R.G. Steel – formerly WCI Steel - on Pine Street in Warren. “We have pig iron in our blood,” Bob liked to say.
In 1994, he married Monica Williams who he met at a friend’s wedding. He told his family that “she’s the one’’ and boasted that she was “beautiful, kind and smart’’ – and a great cook. Bob and Monica built a life together anchored by a welcoming home in Mineral Ridge where they raised two children, Allyson and Ryan, and spoiled their acrobatic dog, Zoey. As Monica taught school and Bob made steel, he also coached little league and was known as Coach Bob to many kids, long after they became adults.
When Bob and Monica became empty nesters, the couple enjoyed traveling and attending concerts and sporting events. They also enjoyed spending time in Columbus with Ally and Ryan, tailgating at Buckeye games and supporting their nieces’ and nephews’ extracurricular activities.
The family recently celebrated what Bob said was among his proudest days: Watching Allyson receive her bachelor’s degree from The Ohio State University in December 2019. Ryan, an OSU junior, is expected to graduate next year.
A rabid sports fan, Bob closely followed all Cleveland professional sports teams, Ohio State football and Kennedy High School sports. He could recite statistics about each one and was fond of telling even strangers that Ryan was a standout on the JFK golf team all four years of high school.
Bob inherited his father’s gift of telling stories. Among his favorites: Recalling the money he once made selling profane Art Modell T-shirts after the Browns’ owner whisked the franchise to Baltimore in the dark of the night. Cleveland police threatened Bob’s side business by asking to see the permit required for street vendors but he convinced them that Modell’s betrayal of long-suffering Browns’ fans negated any need for a pesky permit.
When the Browns returned to Cleveland, Bob returned to the stadium parking lot where his new, equally profane anti-Modell T-shirts sold out quickly.
Bob is survived by his wife, Monica Theis, their children Allyson and Ryan; four sisters, Terri Bury (Brian) of Austin, Texas; Carol Theis (Steve Rolfe) of Pickerington; Sandy Theis of Columbus; Melissa Whitney (David) of Westerville; an assortment of cousins, aunts and uncles; nieces and nephews and great-nieces and nephews with whom he had a secret handshake. All of them will miss him.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Robert W. Theis and Mary Lou Reinhard Theis; and his nephew, U.S. Marine Sgt. Brandon Bury.
Friends may call from 10 a.m. to noon, Saturday, Feb. 8 at St. Mary’s Church, 232 Seneca N.E., Warren. The visitation will be followed by a Mass at 12:30 and a lunch at the church following the Mass. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Kingwood Fallen Heroes, c/o Don Mitchell, 2519 Golden Pond Drive, Kingwood TX. 77345.