Robert E. Hursey

The foundation of his family, Bob Hursey was a hard working, dedicated family man. Foremost a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, Bob was a fun-loving fellow who had an upbeat, cheerful nature. He learned the meaning of responsibility from a young age, which served him well throughout his life. Bob was truly proud of his family, and was blessed with the friendships of many. Deeply missed, his memory will be treasured in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.

Although the year 1934 ushered in some of the worst times of the Great Depression, it was also a turning point for many after years of struggle. The hardships endured during these days left many hopeful for brighter tomorrows, especially when newly elected President Franklin D. Roosevelt pledged to bring about recovery through government intervention called, The New Deal. Shirley Temple lit up movie screens while authorities across the country made headway rounding up some of the most famous gangsters in U.S. history. In the midst of these changing times, Maurice Dale and Edna Marie (Davis) Hursey were happy to announce the birth of their son, Robert E. Hursey on April 27, 1934.

Robert was a lifelong resident of Whitley County where he spent his childhood days enjoying swimming and spending time outdoors. Robert experienced many adventures in his youth, often taking off to Arnold's gravel pit and jumping from the high cliffs into the water that filled them. He grew up alongside his brother, Russell, and sisters, Barbara Joan, Wyonda "Petey", and Zephra Ilene. At the age of ten, Robert acquired his own newspaper route, and his siblings followed with routes of their own. Robert was attending Columbia City High School when his father was drafted to serve in the U.S. Navy during World War II. Robert stepped up to the plate, became head of their household, and worked to support his family. When his father returned home and was walking down the alley to their house, Robert spotted him. However, his father had lost so much weight that, Robert didn't even recognize him and just hollered to his mother that some sailor was walking down their alley!

Life for Bob soon changed when he met a pretty young woman named Barbara Brumbaugh through his sister, Petey. Petey was running for the title of queen at Turtle Days in nearby Churubusco, and she kept telling her friend, Barb how great and wonderful her brother was. Upon Barb's first impression, she thought Bob was just a little too cocky. After a day out collecting votes, Barb and Petey ended up at a friend's house to listen to some records when Bob walked in, demanding they get into his car for home because his mother had supper ready. Bob's brash nature didn't do much for Barb, but with some persistence on his part, it didn't take much to change her mind, and he won her parents approval, as well.

They began dating, and before long Barb couldn't imagine her life with anyone else. Bob soon became Barb's whole world, and she melted his heart just the same. On July 19, 1952, Bob married his sweetheart and they soon began a family of their own. Bob provided a good life for Barb and their six children, Donna, Cynthia, Donald, Robert D., Susan, and David. He worked hard to support them, usually working at least two jobs. Among his jobs, Bob worked at General Electric and also at the flour mill, bagging flour.Doing this job gave Bob his trademark large hands, often nicknamed snausages or big patties. His friends used to ask him why he had so many children, when he could have finer things, like cars and boats.Bobs response to that was that he didnt need the finer things in life when he had his Six Cadillacs.He also helped out at his parents tavern in Larwill, The Hursey Tavern.

Although often busy with work, family time was important to Bob. Bob and Barb had attended Collins United Methodist Church, and he loved spending time with his family, along with his enjoyment of fishing and playing a variety of musical instruments. He played in a family band that was often hired to play at local events. Even though he was very talented musically, Bob perfected and preferred playing the mandolin. He was pretty much a family guy, but as a member of the Sons of the American Legion, he enjoyed getting together with friends there from time to time.

Bob started out working for Paul Morsches Sr. at Morsches Lumber Company as well as their concrete ready mix company. In 1968 he went to work with his dad at Columbia City Ready Mix in Columbia City. There he became manager, which prompted his sons involvement in the business. He was a great teacher when it came to work and training the concrete guys. Bob remained at Columbia City until retiring in 1999. Before long his son Bobby took over where Bob left off, and he manages the company to this day.

Only two weeks into Bob's retirement and Barb had had enough! She told him to either go fishing, or find another job. He took her up on it, landing a part-time job working at Columbia city Ready Mix for his son, Bobby, driving dump truck and any other jobs that needed done.He always said if he knew how much he enjoyed driving the dump truck, he would have done that a long time ago!

Bob finally retired altogether in 2007. He spent time working in his garden and tinkering around the house. Bob loved the outdoors, and went fishing at every opportunity. Throughout the years, he also enjoyed working on cars, even helping friends out with their cars. Most of all, family was the center of Bob's heart. He absolutely loved spending time with his grandchildren, and his beloved wife of 60 years before she passed away on April 29, 2013.

Always happy and content, Bob Hursey was fun-loving and simply just a great, all-around guy. He was a hard worker, but found time to enjoy the things that brought him joy. Ever dedicated, he was the foundation and a good example for his children to live by, which serves them well. Gone but never to be forgotten, Bob will be deeply missed and remembered.

Robert E. Hursey, 80, of Columbia City, Indiana passed away at 5:09 p.m. Wednesday, January 14, 2015 at his home surrounded by his loving family. Survivors include his children, Donna J. (Robert W.) Schroeder of Columbia City, Cynthia A. (Dennis) Judd of Columbia City, Donald E. (Laura A.) Hursey of Sanford, Florida, Robert D. (Laura M.) Hursey of Columbia City, Susan M. (Kevin W.) Thompson of South Whitley, and David L. (Stacy E.) Hursey of Warsaw; sisters, Barbara Joan Huntley and Wyonda "Petey" Rohrer, both of Columbia City and Zephra Ilene (Larry) Bowers of Fort Wayne; 12 grandchildren; 25 great-grandchildren with one more on the way; and one great-great-grandchild. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Barbara and brother, Russell Hursey.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, January 17, 2015 from 2-7 p.m. at DeMoney-Grimes, a Life Story Funeral Home, 600 Countryside Drive. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday, January 18, 2015 at the funeral home with Pastor Larry Schmoekel officiating. Burial will follow at Greenhill Cemetery. Memorial gifts may be given in Bobs memory to Collins United Methodist Church or Heartland Home Hospice. Visit www.demoneygrimes.com to send family condolences or to sign Bob's online guest register.