Robert Eugene NEWCOMER

12 MAY 1946 - 13 OCT 2018

• BIRTH: 12 MAY 1946, Mishawaka, Indiana
• DEATH: 13 OCT 2018, Cleveland Clinic, Cuyahoga, Ohio

INDEX

[N19934] Robert Eugene Newcomer
May 12, 1946 - Oct. 13, 2018
ELKHART - Robert “Bob” Eugene Newcomer, 72, of Elkhart, passed away Saturday, Oct.13, 2018, at the Cleveland Clinic following a lengthy illness. Bob was born May 12, 1946, in Mishawaka, to the late Merril A. and Ruby G. (Secor) Newcomer. Bob was a graduate of Jimtown High School, class of 1964, where he excelled as an athlete, playing varsity football, basketball and baseball; he also served as class president. In August of 1967, after high school, Bob married Carol Kentner. Before enlisting in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War, Bob received a bachelor's degree in business marketing, from Ball State University. From the years of 1969 - 1972, Bob honorably served his country as an Artillery Specialist in the first Cavalry Division, based in Fort Hood, Texas. He was awarded with a Bronze Star Medal for heroism and meritorious service in combat. Bob calculated math, manually, to shoot longer ranged guns, to support infantry troops, while he communicated on the radio to gain clearance on need and readiness to fire. His steady personality and his practical engineering mindset made him a perfect fit for the role requiring one to be highly accurate and calm under pressure.Following his military service, Bob was employed for many years as an independent sales representative for RV and other industrial suppliers throughout the Midwest region. He was involved in several entrepreneurial endeavors, thus cultivated many professional relationships, that grew into lasting personal friendships along the way. In his spare time, Bob enjoyed boating. He loved watching and playing golf, and supported the Jimtown Jimmies. He was also a loyal fan of the Green Bay Packers. Bob was a longtime member of St. David’s Episcopal Church in Elkhart, and will be remembered for his firm handshake, quiet strength, and great sense of humor. He cared for others and was easy to love. In May of 2000, Bob was remarried to Susan King. She preceded him in death in October of 2017. Surviving are his children, Julie (Mike Edmonson) Phillips of Elkhart and Jeff (Julie) Newcomer of Troy, Ohio. Also surviving is his children's mother, Carol Newcomer-Pippy of Elkhart and five grandchildren, Matthew, Andrew and Hannah Newcomer and Preston and Payton Phillips. Bob is also survived by his siblings, Larry (Gloria) Newcomer and Marge (Doug) Krallman, both of Elkhart. Surviving as well are two stepchildren, four stepgrandchildren, and seven stepgreat-grandchildren. Visitation will be from 2 - 4 and 6 - 8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 19, at Cruz Family Funeral Home in Osceola. There will also be one hour of visitation prior to the 1 p.m. funeral service on Saturday, Oct. 20, at Cruz Family Funeral Home. Interment and military honors will follow in Olive Cemetery. In his memory, donations may be made to Jimtown Athletics and Activities or The Cleveland Clinic Foundation. To leave an online condolence, light a virtual candle in Bob’s memory, or to view his online video tribute, visit www.CruzFamilyFH.com.