J. Robert True, Class of 1960

J. Robert "Bob" True was born in 1938. Bob spent his first 18 years living in Mt. Carmel, OH (Union Township, Clermont County).

He graduated from Batavia High School in 1956, Muskingum College (now Muskingum University) in 1960, and then attended The University of Cincinnati College of Law graduating in 1963. He was admitted to the Ohio Bar October 16, 1963.

He then went on Active Duty with the Ohio Army National Guard for 6 months and returned home to begin the practice of law with the Ely Firm in Batavia, Ohio, where he continued to practice until last week. He had a membership in both the Ohio Bar Association and the Clermont County Ohio Bar Association.

During his time in Clermont County, he served as Chairman of the Clermont County Planning Commission, a member of the Clermont County Board of Health, Chairman of the Public Defenders Commission, and then became Clermont County Treasurer where he served for almost 30 years. During his tenure as Clermont County Treasurer he acted as Chairman of the County Budget Commission, and the County Board of Revision. He also spent one year of his term in office as President of the County Treasurer's Association of Ohio.

He and his family spent many wonderful times together vacationing in South Carolina and Florida.

He enjoyed hunting, fishing, and shooting sports. He was a former member of the Sycamore Pheasant Club, The Indian Hill Shooting Club, The Milford Gun Club, the Stumps Boat Club, and the Terrace Park Country Club.

Bob married Margaret "Peggie" Duncan in 1962, and they spent their lives together ending with her death on March 3, 2025. Peggie and Bob are survived by their two lovely daughters, Wendy True (David) Noe and Holly True (Todd) Shaver, and four cherished grandchildren, Laurel, Andrew, Alex, and Nick. He also leaves behind his beloved sister Rebecca (Larry) Sandy and his favorite cousin John Dean.

Bob enjoyed his membership with the Shooting Crowd on the Todd Farm in Miamiville, Ohio, along with his good friend David H. Todd since 1961 (they sat next to each other in Law School.)

Bob had a kind heart and a quick wit. Bob's favorite movie was "Young Frankenstein." His favorite tune was "Spare Me Over for Another Year" by Ralph Stanley and his favorite expression was, "If you want to stay fat, you gotta eat." He was a legend in the Clermont County legal community and will be missed by many. Contributions can be made in his honor to the American Heart Association.

Year of Muskingum Undergraduate Degree
Back to top