Robert C. Hootman

Robert C. Hootman, age 80, of West Jefferson, Ohio, died peacefully at home on Monday, October 13, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. He was a graduate of Edgerton High School. He received his Bachelor of Science and Masters, Education degrees from Defiance College, where he was a member of the Yellow Jacket’s basketball team. Robert loved basketball. After his college career, he taught history and geography at Bluffton High School, Wellston High School, and Galion High School, and was a coach of the basketball and cross country teams. In 1973, Robert joined the United States Navy and retired in 1991 as Senior Chief Petty Officer. After his naval service, he moved his young family to West Jefferson. Later, he served as a counselor at the Ohio Reformatory for Women, in Marysville, Ohio. He also served as a substitute teacher in various school districts. Robert loved watching basketball, on TV or in the high school gym. He enjoyed people and volunteered at local schools as a tutor and served at the area food pantry. You could often find him at the Prairie Township Wellness Center. He always was imparting others with his words of wisdom, especially his family. He was a wonderful, loving father and grandfather. Robert was preceded in death by his beloved wife Jane, who passed in 2021. He was also preceded in death by his parents Marion and Margaret Hootman, and his sisters Claire and Barbara. He is survived by his loving family: children Jennifer Hootman, Jon (Laurice) Hootman and Christian (Kristin) Hootman, his adored grandchildren Marie, Conner, and Drew Hootman, and Adalynn, Caitlin, and Lillian Hootman, and numerous loving relatives and friends.

Family will receive friends from 9:30a.m.-10:30a.m. SATURDAY, OCTOBER 18, 2025 at the RADER-MCDONALD-TIDD FUNERAL HOME, 1355 West Main Street, West Jefferson, OH 43162 (614)-879-9222 where his Funeral Service will follow the visitation and begin at 10:30a.m. SATURDAY. Private family burial will follow at Hampton Cemetery, West Jefferson.

Please visit www.radermcdonaldtiddfuneralhome.com to share your favorite memories and to send your condolences to the Hootman Family.