Robert "Barney" C. Corthell

Robert C. (Barney) Corthell was born in Mercy Hospital in Tiffin Ohio on May 20, 1937 to Dorothy (Zimmerman) and Robert M. Corthell. He went to be with the Lord on September 10, 2024 after suffering from dementia.

After residing in Tiffin for a few years, he moved to Green Springs. He moved to Fremont in the beginning of the fifth grade and went on to graduate from Ross High School in 1955. Swimming was his sport - he was 3rd in the backstroke in the state in 1954 and he and his teammates had won the state tournament championship in 1953. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame at Ross High School in 2006.

He entered the Navy in 1956. Being in the Navy always meant so much to him. He attended every Veteran's Day celebration and always was so proud to stand at any event where veterans were honored.

He married Mary Lou Depinet in 1961at St. Ann's Catholic Church in Fremont, OH. He always said if he had not met her, he would have reenlisted in the Navy. Instead he followed in his father’s footsteps and went to work for Sabroske Electric, Inc. where he was employed for forty years. He was accepted into the Electrical Workers Apprentice Program which he completed. He retired at the age of 62. At that time he was the Vice-President of the company and he loved doing all the estimating.

He always loved to travel which he let people know that he had been in every state except one. He was a mountain enthusiast and for twenty plus years he visited Tennessee for Thanksgiving with all the family and another time of year with his wife and friends. He enjoyed the cabin lifestyle.

Barney was someone who would volunteer to do anything -working at the Catholic schools in any capacity where he was needed, babysitting the grandchildren, and doing odd jobs for family and friends. He looked forward to fall so he could attend the Ohio State games for years and as he got older he watched them on TV.

He was an avid golfer and spent many days on the course. He also enjoyed watching his children and the grandchildren participate in many different sports. He missed very few events. In the last two years, he loved seeing pictures of his only two great grandsons.

He was preceded in death by a son, Christopher Corthell, his parents, Robert M. and Dorothy Corthell, his in-laws Cletus and Dolores Depinet.

He is survived by his wife of 63 years Mary Lou Corthell, a daughter Connie (Jeff) Sessler of Port Clinton and Sarasota, FL. Four grandchildren, Capt. Jordan Sessler of the US Air Force

(Sarah) Tucson, AZ, Kristin Reagan (Capt. David Reagan, US Army) Newburgh, NY, Charles Corthell (McKenzie Kidwell) Fremont, OH and Kennedi Corthell Ottawa, OH. Two great grandchildren, Enzo Sessler, Tucson AZ and Walker Reagan, Newburgh, NY, a sister, Sandra (Roger) Inks, sister and brother-in-laws, Pat and Gerry Gallagher, Fremont, OH as well as many cousins, nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held on Friday, September 20th from 2:00 - 4:00 P. M. and 6:00 - 8:00 P.M. with a vigil service at 7:30 P.M. at Wonderly Horvath Hanes Funeral Home, 425 E State St, Fremont, OH.

Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Saturday, September 21, 2024 at 10:00 A.M. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 550 Smith Rd., Fremont, OH. The casket will be open for viewing one hour prior to Mass from 9:00 to 10:00 A.M. with a rosary to be prayed at 9:30 A.M.

Burial will take place at St. Joseph Cemetery immediately following the ceremony with military honors provided by the V.F.W. and American Legion.

A luncheon will be served in the parish hall. Please plan on attending even if you do not go to the cemetery service, please wait for everyone in the school cafeteria. Barney would want you to celebrate his life - he was very blessed with a loving family, many caring relatives and friends that meant so much to him.

We would like to thank Nikki, Jenna, Char, and Sarah along with all the employees of Bethesda Care Center who made his departure from this earth so much easier for he and his family. Thanks also to Father Kris, Father Mark, and Deacon Alfredo for all the prayers and kindness.

In lieu of flowers, a contribution may be made to the Alzheimer Association, Sacred Heart Church, or to the donor’s choice.