Robert Joseph Hess

Robert Joseph Hess

Robert, Bob, Poppop, Daddy Bob and Dad were just a few names used for this kind, gentle, humble, smart, loving, wonderful man. At 94 years old, Bob joined his beloved wife Rita in Heaven on May 8, 2024, after living his life to the absolute fullest.

He was born in Louisville, KY, on March 25,1930 to Anna and Joseph Hess. After the passing of his father when he was only 2 years old, he, his brother Carl and mother went to live with his aunt and uncle, Teresa and Launer Traeger who helped raise the boys while his mom worked. Bob met his wife, Rita in 1948 during dancing lessons at the local YMCA. After 2 years of dating, they were married on August 26th, 1950 and two children, Terry and Teresa, soon followed.

Bob was always a hard worker with a great business mind and entrepreneurial spirit. His first job was at the age of 12 delivering newspapers. From there, he went on to deliver furniture and appliances for Bacon’s Department Store. After studying Mechanical Drafting and Engineering at Ahrens Trade School, he graduated in 1948 and worked in steel fabrication before owning New Albany Welding Works and when he retired from there, he began a successful dry-cleaning business.

Bob loved travel and the outdoors and together with Rita they enjoyed adventures of many different types, from traveling in their motor coach to cross-country road trips on their motorcycle. He loved music, singing in the men’s choir at church and took up marathon running at the age of 50. He said his greatest adventure was moving from the city to the country, buying a 112-acre farm with a 125-year-old house in Charlestown, IN in 1965. Outside of marrying Rita, Bob claimed this was the best decision he ever made.

He was a man of God, loved his family, friends, good food and travel. He never met a stranger and has collected many ‘bonus’ children and grandchildren who loved him dearly. He was the type of man who would mark a stamp on your heart just by knowing him. Even on his last days, he never complained or had a negative thing to say about anyone or anything. He will be missed dearly, but we will continue to cherish the memories we have of him. He truly was, "one of the good guys".

In addition to his daughter Teresa, Bob is survived by his son-in-law Bob, granddaughter Kerri Dickerson (Chris), bonus grandchildren Brian Gregory (Daphne) and Erin Stewart (Kenny), and great grandchildren Kyan Dickerson, Ari Dickerson with another great-grand blessing on the way. Also, close to his heart were his two loving nieces, Linda Cearbaugh and Joyce Jenkins (Carl) and nephew Mark Hess. He was preceded in death by his parents, siblings, son Terry and loving wife of 67 years, Rita.

A Celebration of Life in honor of Bob will be held on June 7th, 2024, from 6 pm to 8 pm at Grayson Funeral Home in Charlestown, IN.