Robert “Bob” Stephenson
Robert D. “Bob” Stephenson, age 80, passed into the loving arms of his Heavenly Father on Thursday, March 28, 2024, at his home in Sheridan, Indiana, surrounded by family and friends. Bob was born in Indianapolis, Indiana, on March 14, 1944, to the late Lawrence “Bud” and Melba Catherine (Young) Stephenson.
Growing up in the small town of Sheridan, Bob enjoyed basketball, sock hops, and drive-in movies. Bob and his sister, Marcia Kay (Stephenson) Carr, were so close in age that they had many of the same friends growing up. These lasting friendships would continue to grow even stronger throughout both of their lifetimes.
After graduating from Sheridan High School with the Class of 1962, Bob went on to attend Ball State University. He later moved to Richmond, Virginia, where his youth and ambitious nature led him into the business world. It wasn’t long before he was burning the candle at both ends, selling insurance during the day and teaching adult education classes at night.
As time passed by, Bob felt the call to return to Indiana, where he could be closer to family and friends. Not long after his return, he met and married Barbara Sanders. Barbara already had two grown daughters and several grandchildren, but when the great-grandchildren came along, that really kept the two of them on their toes. When they weren’t doing family outings, they loved to go dancing. Bob liked working at the downtown Indianapolis stadiums and arenas, which to his benefit, gave him the best seats in the house for the countless ballgames, as well as the many world class entertainers that came to the Circle City. Faith and God were Bob and Barbara’s guiding light. They deeply cherished the friendships they cultivated while attending St. Luke’s United Methodist Church in Indianapolis.
After Barbara passed away, Bob returned to Sheridan and lovingly cared for his elderly mother until her death in 2022. During this time back home he picked right back up with his fellow schoolmates, as if no time had passed. He was an ardent supporter of the Sheridan Alumni Association and Sheridan Historical Society and enjoyed attending worship services at Sheridan First United Methodist Church and Six Points Church.
In 2023, just months before he was diagnosed with cancer, Bob attended an Alumni celebration where he was reintroduced to Linda (Ogle) Bailey. Their relationship instantly flourished, and remained one of the happiest times for both, right up to the end.
Bob is survived by stepdaughter, Rhea Harlan (George); 2 step-grandsons, Ryan Walters (Marissa), and George Harlan, Jr.; step-granddaughter, Jennifer Walters; 6 step-great grandchildren, Kylee Harlan, Grand Harlan, Aiden Harlan, Matt Walters, Mariah Walters, and Austin Burris; nephew, Micah I. Carr of Pendleton; his beloved cat, Mandy; and by his special friend and companion, Linda (Ogle) Bailey.
He was preceded death by his parents, Lawrence “Bud” and Melba Catherine (Young) Stephenson; sister, Marsha Kay Carr; stepdaughter, Lenna Sanders; his cats, Callie and Michael; and by his wife, Barbara Jean Sanders-Stephenson on October 13, 2010.
Services will be held at 2:00 pm on Thursday, April 4, 2024, at Kercheval Funeral Home, 306 E. 10th Street, Sheridan, Indiana, with visitation from 11:00 am until the time of service. Burial will follow at Crown View Cemetery in Sheridan, Indiana. Pastor John Meunier will be officiating.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be presented to the American Cancer Society, or to the Epilepsy Foundation of America.