Robert D. Fleming, 73, died on Monday, Dec. 12, 2016, at 12:28 a.m. at Otterbein Cridersville Nursing Home, Criderville, Ohio.

He was born on Sept. 20, 1943, in Bluffton, Ohio to Gerald R. and Dorothy J. (Smith) Fleming who preceded him in death. On Nov. 1, 1963, Robert married Linny K. Plate and she survives in LaFayette.

Robert was an Associate Professor at The Ohio State University for 38 years as a Farm Management Specialist. He was a member of the LaFayette Congregational Christian Church. He was an avid OSU sports fan with season tickets to their football and basketball games. He was a former member of the Farm Bureau and an avid golfer at Colonial Hills.

Also surviving are two sons: Michael (Deborah) Fleming of Johnstown, Ohio, and Robert Jerod (Mary-Ellen) Fleming of Granville; two daughters: Amy (James) Link of Lima and Peggy (Timothy) Ackerman of LaFayette; 14 grandchildren and 1 great grandchild; a brother, Gary (Linda) Fleming of Ada; and a sister, Helen (Howard) Umphress of Ada.

He was preceded in death by: one grandchild: Morgan Ackerman and two sisters: Judy Reynolds and Maxine Plaugher.

Funeral services will begin at noon on Saturday, Dec. 17, at Hanson-Neely Funeral Home, Ada, with Pastor Brian Jenkins officiating. Burial will be in LaFayette Cemetery.

Friends may call two hours prior to the service from 10 a.m. to noon at Hanson-Neely Funeral Home, Ada, on Saturday, Dec. 17.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to: One Child Matters, P.O. Box 62600, Colorado Springs, CO 80962 and/or Compassion International, Colorado Springs, CO 80997-0004.