Robert J. Mettler, a veterans’ advocate, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family July 15, 2013, at Mercy St. Vincent Medical Center.
Robert was born on January 3, 1935. He was a standout baseball pitcher and 1952 graduate of Central Catholic High School. He earned his B.A. in journalism from Toledo University.
Robert served his country for more than 14 years in the U.S. Navy. Voluntary assignment to Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 9, Da Nang, Republic of Vietnam from 1967-1969 was the service of which he was most proud. Robert was granted an Honorable Discharge in 1970.
Robert’s military service would forever change and define his life. He became an advocate for Vietnam veterans in an era in which they were often ostracized. Before long, his advocacy would include all veterans and the issues important to veterans. Robert was appointed to the Commission of Lucas County Veterans Services, but his drive to work in the trenches with his comrades eventually led him to resign that position in favor of becoming the organizations Executive Director.
In addition to caring for veterans needs on a daily basis, Robert skillfully positioned his office as a platform from which he could promote pro-veteran’s issues to government agencies and elected officials. Robert worked tirelessly on anything he believed a veteran deserved or needed, regardless of whether it aided all veterans, or a single veteran in need.
Rather than diminishing his impact, his retirement in 2004 had the opposite effect. Absent the responsibility and hours devoted to administrative duties, Robert now had time to parlay his many relationships with government officials and elected leaders into “cut-the-red-tape” access to those with the authority to effect change. Robert always found a way to navigate through, around, or sometimes over anyone or anything between him his goal to better the lives of veterans.
Robert spent every day of his life in service to his country, his community and his beloved fellow veterans. He never missed an opportunity to don his uniform or pull on khakis and combat boots to represent veterans at rallies, protests, parades and other events. He was enthusiastic in even his most difficult yet gratifying role, serving in Honor Guards called on to salute and pay respect, on behalf of all veterans, to a fallen brother being laid to rest.
Mettler served on several community organizations including the Vietnam Veterans of America, American Legion, Disabled American Veterans, the Board of the Area Office on Aging, Homeless Veterans Task Force, Consortium of Care Task Force and Sister Cities Toledo – Da Nang RVN Study Group.
Robert was also President Emeritus of the University of Toledo Alumni Association — University College Affiliate, a member of the Walbridge Park Advisory Board and a member of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish.
Robert is preceded in death by his parents, William and Evelyn Mettler. He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Nancy, and children, Michael Mettler, Michelle (William) Mohrbach, James Mettler, Robert T. (Diane) Mettler, John (Laura) Mettler, Joseph Mettler, Susan Mettler (Sugg) and Jamie Mettler. He is also survived by 15 cherished grandchildren.
Visitation will be at Coyle Funeral Home 1770 S Reynolds Road on Friday, July 19, 2013, from 1 to 7 p.m. where a Scripture Service will be held at 6 p.m. Funeral services will begin in the mortuary at 9:30 a.m. Saturday, July 20, 2013, with the Funeral Mass to follow at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church at 10 a.m.
Memorial contributions can be made to the Disabled American Veterans or Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish. Robert’s family would like to acknowledge and thank the caring staff of St. Vincent Mercy Medical Center’s Coronary Care Unit, whose compassionate care ensured his final hours were painless and peaceful.
