Robert F. Ginther

November 16, 1927 - July 6, 2001

Robert F. "Giny" Ginther, age 73, of Upper Arlington, died Friday, July 6, 2001 at Riverside Methodist Hospital. Born November 16, 1927 in Middleport, Ohio, he was a graduate of Middleport High School in 1945; The Ohio State University School of Music in 1951 and received his Master's degree in 1958.

Preceded in death by his parents John Kenneth Ginther and Thelma Ginther Hiney, and grandparents Frank and Mattie Ginther. Survived by loving wife of 52 years, Hazel Hawkins Ginther; daughter, Vicki Ginther; son, Gary Ginther and granddaughter, Heather Marie Ginther; loving stepfather, Rex Hiney; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Tom and Juanita Hawkins Walker and numerous nieces and nephews.

Mr. Ginther was band director for Middleport High School for three years, and Upper Arlington High School for twenty-six years, where he was also supervisor of Music for Upper Arlington Schools. He was a sales representative for Century Resources Inc. for 13 years. He was honored as Grand Marshall for the Upper Arlington 4th of July parade in 1980, the year he retired, for his many contributions to the community.

Mr. Ginther served in the U.S. Army and was a member of the West Point Academy Band.

While band director at Upper Arlington, they received numerous awards in both symphonic and marching bands. The Upper Arlington marching band was invited and honored to play for the Cleveland Browns, the Cincinnati Bengals and the Neil Armstrong Homecoming parade in Wapakoneta, Ohio, as well as many other appearances.

Mr. Ginther was a member of many organizations including Phi Mu Alpha music honorary fraternity; Mason Lodge #363 F & AM in Middleport, Ohio; Scottish Rite and Aladdin Temple Shrine. He was a member of Aladdin Shrine Band, The Ohio State University Marching Band and an original member of TBDBITL.

Giny volunteered and coached little league baseball and Optimist basketball in the Upper Arlington Parks and Recreation program.

He was a member of Covenant Presbyterian Church, where he served as choir director for 10 years. Friends may call 3-5 and 7-9 pm Sunday at Schoedinger Northwest Chapel, 1740 Zollinger Road. Funeral service will be held at 10 am Monday, July 9, 2001 at Covenant Presbyterian Church, 2070 Ridgecliff Road. Interment later in Gravel Hill Cemetery, Cheshire, Ohio.

Those who wish may contribute to the Upper Arlington High School Music Department Uniform Fund or to Covenant Presbyterian Church Music Program, 2070 Ridgecliff Road, Columbus, OH 43221, in his memory.

Robert was a member of the marching band in 1949 and 1950. He played Trumpet.