Robert Fleming

Robert E. Fleming, 80, of Warren, died Sunday, December 25, 2011 at Hospice House in Poland, Ohio. He was born July 31, 1931 in Ashland, KY, the son of Claude E. Fleming and Stella Louise (Day) Fleming

Robert E. Fleming came to Warren in 1958 as the Director of Bands at Warren G. Harding High School. He proceeded to establish an outstanding band program that became the model for high school bands.

Mr. Fleming then became the Director of Bands at Youngstown State University. The Marching Band and Concert Bands immediately exhibited the visual excitement and outstanding musical qualities that had become his trademark.

After his retirement at YSU, Mr. Fleming became a Professor of Music and Director of Bands at Hiram College. His teaching excellence and commitment to concert bands continued as he developed a College-Community Concert Band that was exemplary in every respect.

Robert retired from the W.D. Packard Concert Band on July 25, 2004. He joined the Band in 1959 performing on the Trumpet and became co-conductor in 1983. He also has directed The Big Band Sound of Packard, The Packard Jazz Quintet and the Packard Dixieland Band.

The W.D. Packard Concert Band Executive Board and the Packard Park Board of Trustees have conferred upon Mr. Fleming the honorary designation of Conductor Laureate & Conductor Emeritus. In his honor, the Robert E. Fleming Concerto Competition has been established to present outstanding high school musicians as soloist with the W.D. Packard Concert Band and earn a scholarship for study at the college level.

Mr. Fleming also was instrumental in developing the "Top Notes" Orchestra in 1961.

Surviving are his wife; Shirley Ann Fleming of Warren, two sons; James Robert (Joanne) Fleming of Canfield, and Mark (Sherri) Fleming of Warren, granddaughter; Patricia (Thomas) Krewson, great grandson; Connor Krewson. and granddaughters Jennifer Martin and Jacquelyn Martin and great grandchildren, Chuck, Cassie, and Tiana.

Friends may call on Thursday, December 29, 2011 from 4 PM to 7PM at the McFarland & Son Funeral Home. A private family graveside burial will be held at Rose Hill Burial Park, Ashland, KY, with Rev. Harvey officating. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to: American Cancer Society, www.cancer.org and Hospice House, 9803 Sharrot Road Poland, OH 44514

Arrangements are entrusted to McFarland & Son Funeral Services Co., 271 N. Park Ave., Warren, Ohio 44481. Please visit www.mcfarlandcares.com to view this obituary and send condolences.