Robert Eugene Newcomer

Robert “Bob” Eugene Newcomer, age 72 of Elkhart, passed away Saturday, October 13, 2018 at the Cleveland Clinic following a lengthy illness.  Bob was born May 12, 1946 in Mishawaka, Indiana to the late Merril A. and Ruby G. (Secor) Newcomer.  Bob was a graduate of Jimtown High School, Class of 1964, where he excelled in athletics playing varsity football, basketball and baseball and served as class president.  

After high school, Bob married Carol Kentner in August of 1967 and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in business marketing from Ball State University before enlisting into the US Army during the Vietnam War.  He served his country honorably from 1969-1972 as an artillery specialist in the 1st Cavalry Division, based in Fort Hood, TX, where he earned a Bronze Star Medal, awarded for heroism or meritorious service in combat.  Bob manually calculated the math necessary to shoot longer range guns to support infantry troops while communicating on radios to assess the need and gain clearance to fire.  His steady personality and practical engineering mind made him a perfect fit for the role that required 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 and was involved in several entrepreneurial endeavors.  He cultivated numerous professional relationships that developed into lasting personal friendships along the way.  

Bob was remarried to Susan King in May of 2000.  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 are 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 step-children, 4 step-grandchildren, and 7 step-great grandchildren.

            Visitation will be held from 2-4 and 6-8 pm Friday, October 19, 2018 at Cruz Family Funeral Home in Osceola.  There will also be one hour of visitation prior to the 1:00 pm funeral service on Saturday, October 20, 2018 at Cruz Family Funeral Home with interment and Military Honors to follow in Olive Cemetery.   

            In his spare time, Bob enjoyed boating, loved both watching and playing golf, supported the Jimtown Jimmies, and was a loyal fan of the Green Bay Packers.  He was a longtime member of St. David’s Episcopal Church in Elkhart.

Bob will be remembered for his firm handshake, quiet strength and great sense of humor.  He cared for others and was easy to love.

            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, please visit follow the links on the Tribute Wall tab above.

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