DEFIANCE, OH – Robert L. Gill, age 80, of Defiance, died on Thursday, August 14, 2025, with family by his side. He was born on October 21, 1944, in Detroit, MI, to the late Lloyd and Thelma (Burns) Gill. On December 24, 1965, he married his lifelong sweetheart, Linda Bair, and the two began raising a family together.

Robert served in the United States Army during the Vietnam era and taught high school business classes for over 30 years, retiring from Central Local Schools in 2004.

Robert is survived by his wife of 59 years, Linda Gill; daughters, Annette (Alan) Dietrich of Napoleon, OH and Nichole (Luke) Simonich of Littleton, CO; grandchildren, Joshua and Jeremiah Dietrich, Dr. Melanie (Michael) Sheperd, Ezra, and Ember Simonich, as well as siblings, William Gill, Dodie McCreary, and Dottie James.

In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by 3 siblings.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, August 21, 2025, from 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM at Bethel Christian Church of Arthur, 14988 Co Rd 209, Defiance, OH 43512. A graveside funeral service will follow at 1:30 PM at Sherman Cemetery, 10992 Rd 179, Oakwood, OH 45873, with Pastor Mark Matson officiating. Flowers may be delivered to the church on Thursday between 9:00-11:00 AM. If desired, memorial contributions may be made to Marshall’s Mountain, Fort Defiance Humane Society, Bethel Christian Church of Arthur, or a charity of your choice, in honor of Robert. For additional information and to view Robert’s online obituary, please visit www.churchfuneralsdirect.com.


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