Bob Stamm 83, of Connersville, joyfully rejoined his wife on Sunday morning, November 18, 2018, at Fayette Regional Health System after courageously battling cancer for the past several years. Bob was born in Rush County, Indiana, on June 6, 1935, the second of three sons to Cecil Faye Stamm and Mary Lucille Gastineau. He was brought home to the family farm in New Salem, Indiana where they lived in the smaller of two houses owned by Bob’s grandparents, Clifton and Elsie (Murphy).
With WWII looming, the family moved to Offits Park area of Connersville. The farm kids, accustomed to the solitude of the farm, were made to test their mettle against a neighborhood full of rough kids whose fathers were at war or working long hours to support the war effort. A favorite story of the first weeks in the move was of mother Lucille grabbing the two older boy’s ears and yanking them out from their hideout under the stoop, “no dinner until you whip those boys you’re hiding from”.
Redheaded Lucille didn’t need to repeat herself. Bobby shared his mother’s red hair and expectations. Those expectations came from the love of generous hearts; malice was not in their nature.
Bobby met his love, Janet Fellinger, in 1953 during his senior year at Connersville High School. He picked her up and sat her on a counter at a party and told her to stay there; he would be right back. Nearly an hour later he found her still sitting there.
They were married July 2, 1955, at St. Gabriel Church in Connersville. To their marriage, four sons were born. Bobby and Janny, mom and dad, had a beautiful, loving relationship that held bloom for 60 years.
Bob’s first job lasted five years and included a long drive from Connersville to Indianapolis to hand dig sewer tunnels. He was severely burned in an explosion within the tunnel he was digging. Half of the crew were killed in the blast, but Bob was found 220 feet from the tunnel entrance after having dragged a friend to safety.
He and his wife decided a safer job was warranted. Bob began a 50-year career with Roots Blower where he advanced from a trainee to the top rank. He was proud and appreciative of his career at Roots as was he of the friendships he made there.
Bob was very generous with both his time and money, especially benefiting the Connersville community. He was a member of St. Gabriel Church where through the years he raised funds, taught CCD, cooked chicken and most importantly prayed. His children have fond memories of past priests often visiting the house, especially at Thanksgiving and Christmas.
Bob was not one that advertised his generosity, but many found donations appeared when most needed. He managed the Connersville Youth Football and for several years wrote very colorful recaps of the games for the local paper – “those redskins scalped the cowboys in a …” In his retirement years, he actively served his community on the Economic and Development Board, Dale Cemetery Board and Airport Board among others. Bob cherished his family.
He was simply the best father and grandfather one could wish for. He was kind, sometimes stern, always had high expectations and still met challenges from his family with love. He hugged his kids and patted them on the head whether they were 2 or 60 years old.
Grandsons, Gil and Andy, are grateful for his love, guidance, and support. They remember Bob and Janet proudly spectating every single one of their track meets, football and basketball games, and choir performances since elementary school. Among his lessons is that love requires you to be present: show up, contribute, and care.
He is preceded in death by his parents; wife; brother, Billy; and a grandchild. His youngest brother James is the remaining member of Bob’s generation. He is survived by four sons; Michael E., Matthew J., Christopher L. (Shaunesse), and Timothy C. Stamm (Heide).
He was a very proud active grandparent to Gil, Andy, Jacob, Hanna, Wil, Paul, Allie, and Jayde. Many in the community who knew Bob and Janet fondly recall their holding hands in public, whether at a ballgame, church or just walking in their yard. Bob held Janet’s hand during her struggle and eventual loss to breast cancer.
Your generous donation to the American Breast Cancer Research in memory of Bob and Janet would be most appreciated. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by Reverend Dustin Boehm at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, November 26, 2018, at St. Gabriel Catholic Church. Burial will follow in Dale Cemetery.
The family will receive friends from 5:00 until 7:00 p.m. on Sunday, November 25, 2018, at Miller, Moster, Robbins Funeral Home. Online condolences may be made anytime at millermosterrobbins.com.
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