Bob Lentz, seated, at the right, is pictured June 15 at a gathering at Green Hills Community of mayors who served the city of Bellefontaine. Pictured with Lentz are, seated: Bob Notestine (1968); and standing, from the left, Adam Brannon (2008-2014), current Mayor David Crissman and Ben Stahler (2014-2023). (SUBMITTED PHOTO)
Former Bellefontaine mayor and city council member Robert “Bob” Lentz passed away Tuesday morning, June 25, at the age of 80.
The Bellefontaine resident is survived by his wife, Ranae, of more than 50 years.
Lentz was elected mayor of Bellefontaine in 1999 and served from 2000-2007.
“I was saddened to gather the news that Bob had passed away this morning,” former Mayor Ben Stahler reacted Tuesday. “He’s been a lifelong Logan County resident and a longtime leader in Bellefontaine .
“He was elected eight times to city council, beginning of 1982. He was then elected as mayor (twice) serving from the year 2000 until the end of 2007.
“Bob was an active member of our community until the very end. “
A 1962 Indian Lake High School graduate, he joined the Air Force in 1963 and served through 1967.
After the Air Force, Lentz worked at Super Foods and retired after 30 years.
Lentz also volunteered with the American Legion Harold Kerr Post in Bellefontaine for more than 25 years, was on the Logan County Children Services Board, and was a deacon with the First United Presbyterian Church in Bellefontaine.
“To me, he was both a friend and a mentor,” Stahler said. “I enjoyed comparing notes with him, over the years, about the changes that we’ve witnessed in our community over that period of time.
“Bob was a fine example of a quiet leader who would lead by example. His presence will be missed.”