April 26, 1940 - June 19, 2021
Columbus, Ohio | Age 81
Robert “Bob” Eugene Deis, 81, of Columbus, Ohio, passed away peacefully at home on June 19th, 2021, surrounded by his loving family and beloved dog, Sassy. Bob was born April 26, 1940, in Dayton, Ohio. He graduated from Chaminade High School in Dayton and The Ohio State University.
Bob enlisted in the Army as a Combat Engineer, and he joined Company D, 2nd Battalion, 11th Special Forces Group Airborne following his initial active duty assignment just three years after the 11th SFG(A) was activated. Bob completed airborne training, the Special Forces Demolition Sergeant Qualification Course, and Mountain Warfare School. He earned his commission through O.C.S., and then completed the Engineer Officer Basic Course, the Special Forces Officer Course, and the Jumpmaster Course. He was a detachment XO and commander.
Bob’s adventurous civilian career included serving as a Deputy in the Franklin County, Ohio Sheriff’s Department and the Ohio Division of Wildlife in wildlife and fisheries management. He earned the State Championship of Ohio Law Enforcement in Pistol Marksmanship in 1972, and he was the captain of his department’s pistol team when it won the 1975 Championship during the Ohio Sheriffs’ Association Marksmanship Competition. During his later years, Bob was a commercial real estate broker and property manager. He was a private pilot and enjoyed hunting and fishing all over North America.
Bob’s passion with the outdoors began early; he has an Eagle Scout, and as a Scouting Volunteer, he advised hundreds of scouts as they made the journey to become Eagle Scouts. Bob served in numerous Scouting roles over the decades and was distinguished with the District Award of Merit, National Eagle Scout Outstanding Eagle Scout Award, and the National Silver Beaver Award.
Bob was an active member of SFA Chapter 45 in Ohio. He volunteered for and managed chapter membership and regularly volunteered to support chapter fundraising events.
Bob is survived by his separated wife Joyce Deis and ex-wife Linda Deis, his children, Cynthia Deis (Galen Gillett), Nancy Cropper Burns (Mike), and Christopher Deis (Melanie) and seven grandchildren.
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