ROBERT JOSEPH HAVILAND 7/23/1938 to 9/06/2024

Robert Joseph Haviland, age 86, of Lakeland Florida, passed away in his home on September 6, 2024, after a brief illness. He will be missed by his friends and his extended family, including his 4 adult children and many grandchildren & great grandchildren. 

Robert, also known as Bob, was born on July 23,1938 to Philip Leroy Haviland and Erma Plum Haviland. Bob and his brother Jim grew up in a neighborhood near Minneapolis, MN. They were both exceptionally talented at tap dancing and went on to perform on the popular Ed Sullivan show when they were around 11-12 years old. 

Then, after Bob graduated from Southwest High, he went on to the University of Minnesota. After college Bob enlisted in the Air Force around 1960. While in the Air Force, Bob worked as a mathematician. Given his exceptional skillset in math, he was promoted to the Special Security ICBM Targeting Department. Later, after leaving the military with honors, he was self-employed as one of the first graphic designers of his time in Youngstown, Ohio. Bob retired from the Department of Revenue in Lakeland. 

Bob was Sports Editor at the Winter Haven News Chief in 1962. He loved sports of all kinds, especially football and tennis. Bob’s retirement years were filled with dancing and playing golf! He was a member of the Highland Fairways Golf Club where he resided in the Lakeland golf community. 

Robert Haviland was predeceased by his grandparents Squire Wood Haviland and Maude Edith Anderson Haviland, parents Philip and Erma Haviland (Plum), brother James Haviland, and grandson Brandon L. Dybdahl and Benjamin C Campbell, LCpl. He is survived by daughter Becky Gould (Mark Gould), grandchildren, Keaton Dybdahl (Zoe Richardson) & Brittany Dybdahl (Mike Kersten and granddaughter Brooke Kerston). Also survived by his son Joseph (Joey) Haviland II, grandchildren Brandi Haviland Kelton (Brian Kelton), great grandchildren Adelyn, Avery and Alex Kelton, grandson Kyle Haviland and great granddaughter Emma Haviland. Also survived by his daughter Kelly Haviland Moss, grandson, Tynus McNeel III (Addi McNeel), great grandchildren Vivian and William McNeel, granddaughter Taylor Conkel (Tanner Conkel), great grandchildren Charlotte, Ellis and Brooks Conkel, granddaughter Maddison Moss, and great grandson Holland Reeves. Also survived by his daughter Kendis Campbell (Burton G. Campbell, III), grandchildren Burton Campbell IV, Mark Seiberlich, Hope Seiberlich, Joshua Campbell LCpl.

 Instead of flowers, Bob would wish that you pass on an unsolicited act of kindness. Cremation services provided by All Cremation Options in Lakeland. His ashes will be spread in Winter Haven Chain of Lakes in memory of his life. If you would like more information please reach out to Becky Gould (Daughter) at beckygould@ymail.com or text 209-992-1113 or contact Joey Haviland (Son) at 863-207-4871

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