Theta Chapter, Beta Theta Pi
It is with much sadness that Jan and I learned of the passing of brother Bob on October 7, 2021; A dear member of Beta Theta Pi, Theta Chapter, class of 1954 at Ohio Wesleyan U.
My memories of Bob go to 1953 when I roomed with Bob and Hank Baldwin at the Beta house. Bonding with Bob was easy. His personality was loaded with laughs and smiles, and our sharing of a love for music was solid. One of my earliest memories was Bob, Dan Rich and me, among others, attending a concert of Stan Kenton and his band in concert at Gray Chapel. From that experience, we bought a Kenton 33 1/3 album and played it over and over to our great joy. Even recently, on a call to Bob, he, and I listened over the phone to one of the Kenton tunes We enjoyed at it all over again. Sugar Time sung by the McGuire Sisters was another favorite and frequently much to the dismay of Bob, Dan and others near our room.
Social life was a large part of our lives at the house. Bob was known as the “Blonde Adonis” in honor of his good looks and campus admirers! And, because he looked exactly like another “Adonis”, Bob Davies, a great blonde basketball player for the Rochester Royals.
Here’s the evidence! 1953 at Beta House
In the spring of my freshman year, 1953, Bob, Dan Rich, Lou Boyle, Jim Davies and me, piled into Lou Boyles’ father’s Buick and left for Ft. Lauderdale…..the hub of all east coast collegians looking for the sun and good times. For $5 (???) a week we found a place to sleep (on a cot), spent our time at the beach (and bar) with many coeds and made a lot of new friends. A once in a lifetime interlude to the classrooms of OWU.
After a week of “fun in the sun”, we began our journey back to Ohio. My memory says that among all of us, our sum total of cash was a very few, small coins. Enough for gas, but not much food and no Inn for our rest. The drive was non-stop to Dayton by changing drivers frequently. Remember, interstate highways were just beginning, so much of our travel was on 2 and 4 lane highways. Route #25 was the standby way for Ohio-Florida travelers. It took many hours through the mountains and many small towns of Ga, Tennessee and Ky.
Arriving in Dayton, very hungry, poor souls and we were treated to the finest meal available at one of Dayton’s finest restaurants, thanks to the hospitality of the Boyles. They were our saviors. Soon, off again to Delaware and a return to our “studies”.
Early in the 1990s, Ann and I were on our way to State College to visit family, and take in the OSU v Penn State football game. Looking at the map, we noted that Butler, Pa. was only about 15-20 miles south of our location on I-80. Quickly we agreed, called Bob and set sails for Butler.
What a great turn of events and a chance to meet with old friends Bob and Dave Cook. MaryLee was there as well and a fun time was had by all.
Early 1990s in Butler bar with Tom Tatham, Dave Cook & Bob Marten
On a number of occasions, we had Theta Chapter Beta reunions. One such occasion was planned for 1994 in Delaware. Bob was on my list to call and encourage his attendance. Bob was always reluctant, but with the encouragement of MaryLee, Bob finally agreed and attended. It was a great reunion, and the last one for many. We had a large gathering of more than 30 plus wives for many. While there, we had the normal reunion weekend of “social hours”, and dinners. Our time together was priceless for all of us. Attendance included, Dan Rich from the east coast, OJ Stephens from Vermont, “cousin” Jack Mathews from Texas, Ron Pettigrew from Colorado, Bill Plavcan from Pa, C.D. Simpson from Tuscan, Az, Larry (“Ace”) Linderer from Florida, John Funderburg, from the east coast, Charlie Ecker of Gallipolis, Ohio, Dave Crockett of Colorado, and many others which my memory fails to recall. Bob seemed to thoroughly enjoy his visit and thanked me many times over for the arrangements and encouraging his coming. Here is one of my favorites from that affair.
Ann Tatham, Bob and Jan Jefferis at 1994 reunion
Pictured below are bricks with names of Theta Chapter Betas which having been purchased over the years from Beta HQ, by many members of Theta Chapter. The bricks are then placed on the walkway leading from the general fraternities HQ building to the Chapel. Those names shown here are a few from Bob’s chapter, and his name, chapter bond number and date of his class will be added and appear soon for eternity. We are arranging for a “brick” to be added soon to the Beta Headquarters walkway in Bob’s memory.
With much love and affection from all of us, and our special salute to brother Bob Marten, as we give him one last shout out, “Bob, Thank God You’re a Beta”. Once a Beta, always a Beta!
Tom Tatham OWU ‘56
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