Robert L. Haas

Robert L. Haas, 84, of Alleghenyville Road, Mohnton, passed peacefully in his sleep in the early morning hours of August 18. Robert – “Bob” - took his last breath in the log home he built by hand with his wife Annette (Luta), son Randy, son-in-law John, and his best friend Rock in 1991. It was Bob’s hope to never leave his home, and his beloved Annette worked tirelessly with heart and hands to ensure his wishes. A few weeks before his passing, Bob said, “I’m going to try to stay here.” He did.

Bob was very proud of his beautiful home and gardens. He’d poured much love into his home: building a fairy house and an arbor, planting flower gardens with Annette, and placing garden gnomes among the greenery. Bob and Annette frequented antique markets, picking up unique items for their home.

Bob had been diagnosed with dementia, and his illness progressed quickly. In May of 2014, Robert sat on his beloved antique 1947 Harley Davidson motorcycle for the last time with the help of his family.

Robert (the son of Minnie Leininger and Charles Haas) was born on April 9th, 1931, at home on California Road in Morgantown, PA, the youngest of a large family. He was predeceased by Harry, Jack, Walter, Katherine, Howard, Frances (Trate), David, Herbert, Wilmer, Russell, Dorothy (Shrom), and Blanche, as well as by infant twins Earl and Edward. Robert was very close with his nephew Carl, who was raised as a sibling and close in age to Bob. Robert is also predeceased by many nieces and nephews, including great-niece Laurie Show.

Robert is survived by his sister Mary (Martin) of Lititz, as well as his wife Annette (Luta) Haas, daughter Linda Oatman High (John), son Randy Haas (Sharon), stepson Christopher White, and stepdaughter Susan (Peter Smith) White, as well as by grandchildren Justin Oatman, Zach High, Katsura Smith, and Ilse Smith, as well as by great-grandson Connor Oatman. He is also survived by step-grandchildren J.D. High (Kim) and Kala (Shawn) Haines, and their children.

Robert served in the Army in combat during the Korean War, 1949-1952, and his honors included a bronze service star, a good conduct medal, a National Defense Service medal, and a United Nations Service medal. Bob only recently started telling stories of his combat experiences, one of which included his taking care of a Korean boy orphaned by the war. Bob wept as he spoke of never seeing the child again after a transfer. Robert was very patriotic, and he flew an MIA flag for those left behind.

Robert worked for many years as a welder in Grace Mines/Bethlehem Steel of Morgantown, and he drove tour bus for entertainer John Bressler after his retirement. Bob also drove escort cars for High Steel and school bus for Eshelman Transportation after retiring from Bethlehem Steel.

Robert’s many passions and interests included Harley-Davidson and Indian motorcycles, restoration and antiques, vintage bicycles, mining memorabilia, and racing. Bob had raced motorcycles and stock cars, and he continued to ride motorcycles well into his retirement. Bob and Annette have been married since 1986.

Robert had a quirky sense of humor, and one of his favorite sayings was a Pennsylvania Dutch one: “Don’t talk so dumb.” If you told him today that he was gone, he’d say “Don’t talk so dumb. I’m not gone. I’ll always be here, with you, in your hearts.” We believe that the Haas reunion in Heaven is a rowdy and joyful one, with the youngest sibling now joining the gang.

A graveside service with military honors will be held at Caernarvon Cemetery, Morgantown, PA at 2:00 on Friday, August 21. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Korean War Veterans Memorial Foundation. To send the family online condolences visit us at www.groffeckenroth.com. Arrangements by Eckenroth Home for Funerals, Terre Hill.