Robert “Bob” C. Needler, 85, Marion, went to be with the Lord at 12:45 a.m. on Sunday, October 8, 2017, at Wesleyan Healthcare Center in Marion. He was born in Anderson on May 23, 1932, the son of Clifford and Della Mozelle (Leach) Needler.
Bob graduated from Swayzee High School in 1950 and married the love of his life, Mary Jane Savage, on January 16, 1953. They raised three children on their family farm, and Bob absolutely loved farming! He raised livestock in his early years and then went into grain farming in his later years. He retired from farming in 1995. Bob was also a school bus driver for 31 years with Oak Hill School Corporation. He was a member of Maple Run Friends Church, where he had previously served as a trustee and treasurer.
Bob and Mary Jane loved to travel and were snowbirds in Florida after retirement. He enjoyed sports, especially playing Bocce ball while he was in Florida. He had also coached Pony League for a few years. Bob was a follower of NASCAR and was also a proud member of the Die Hard Cubs Fan Club.
Survivors include his loving wife of 64 years, Mary Jane; children, James (DaVee) Needler, Wabash, Brenda (Wade) Finicle, Marion, and John (Cindy) Needler, Swayzee; grandchildren, BJ Needler, Wabash, Eamonn (Brittney) Needler, Kettering, Ohio, Kira-Marie (Andrew) Turner, Marion, Joshua Needler, Marion, Brant (Ashley) Needler, Williamsport, and Wade (Elizabeth) Finicle, Jr., Huntington; great-grandchildren, Ryder Turner, Tegan Turner, Eli Needler, Micah Needler, and Eli Montez; and brother, James Lee (Barbara) Needler, Marion.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his grandson, Joel Needler.
Services to celebrate Bob’s life will be held at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, October 11, 2017, at Needham-Storey-Wampner Funeral Service, Rybolt Chapel, 314 N. Washington St., Swayzee, IN, with Pastor John Key officiating. Visitation will be from 11 a.m. until time of service in the funeral home. Burial will follow at Grant Memorial Park.
Memorial Contributions in Bob’s name may be made to Maple Run Friends Church, 4460 W 400 S, Marion, IN, 46953.
Online condolences may be made at www.nswcares.com.