By Scott Miller
President
Posted: February 17, 2021 9:34 AM

Robert J. "Bob" Drumheller, a former longtime executive and leader of Gongwer News Service's Ohio operations, has died. He was 71.

A newsman until the end, Mr. Drumheller passed while watching the U.S. Senate's impeachment hearings.

Mr. Drumheller started his Gongwer career in 1971, shortly after graduating from Ohio State University. He initially covered late-night legislative committees, often working side-by-side with former Gongwer owner William F. Baird.

Years later, he became a Gongwer partner and co-owner, helping lead coverage of Ohio state government and pioneering the company's first venture into what was then a new and emerging digital era.

He was a former president of the Ohio Legislative Correspondents Association, elected by his peers to represent the interests of Statehouse journalists. A facts-driven reporter, he earned and retained the respect of governors, department directors, justices, legislative leaders and countless others who walked the Statehouse halls.

A fierce competitor for news, he also mentored dozens of Statehouse reporters as they entered the profession.

As a journalist and editor, he held a strong command of the written and spoken language and had a life-long fondness for literature.

Mr. Drumheller retired from Gongwer in 2005, leaving Ohio for retirement on a Tennessee farm. He later moved to south Florida, where he died.

Mr. Drumheller is survived by his wife of 37 years, Marg; sons Jacob (Caitlin) of Fairfax City, Virginia; and Jeremy (fiancée Katherine Lawler) of Falls Church, Virginia; three grandsons, Rhys, Ciaran and Lucas; and many other family members.

A private service is scheduled for Thursday, February 18.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Mr. Drumheller's memory can be made to St. Charles Preparatory School, 2010 E. Broad St., Columbus OH 43209 or Power of the Pen, P.O. Box 442, Richfield OH 44286.