Bobby J. Waire

Bobby J. Waire, 73, of Elkhart bravely fought until his passing on Friday, April 10, 2026, at Esther’s House, Elkhart. He was born on April 5, 1953, in Harrisburg, AR, to the late Robert and Willa Jane (Watson) Waire and married Brenda Carpenter after a mutual connection with their parents.

Brenda survives along with their children, Rayanna Waire of Elkhart and Joseph Tallerico of Mishawaka, and a granddaughter, Zoey West, and brother, Dewayne “Jimmy” Waire. Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by his siblings, Daryl Waire, Debbie Griggs, and Mary Rightsall.

Bobby was a hardworking man who spent much of his life as a truck driver and machinist with Dexter Axle in Elkhart. A proud United States Marine Corps Vietnam Veteran, he carried himself with a quiet strength and old-school grit that defined who he was. Bobby had a deep love for the open road, often found on his Harley-Davidson, and took great pride in his 1969 Ford pickup, keeping it as original as the day it was built. He was an avid gun collector and enjoyed the simple peace of fishing whenever he could. In his downtime, you could find him watching classic Westerns featuring John Wayne or episodes of Gunsmoke. Above all, Bobby will be remembered for his steady presence, his love for the things that mattered to him, and the homemade biscuits that brought people together around the table.

A time to celebrate his life is scheduled for Sunday, April 19, 2026, from 1-3pm with a service beginning at 3pm at Cruz Family Funeral Home. A private family burial will take place on Monday, at Swan Lake Cemetery in Michigan City.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to Tunnel to Towers Foundation. To light a virtual candle, share a story of Bobby’s life, or extend a message of comfort to his family, please visit the Guestbook.