Robert W. Gartin Jr.

Robert “Bob” Warren Gartin, Jr. was born to Dorothy Mae (Johnson) and Robert W. Gartin, Sr. on January 31, 1931 in Indianapolis, Indiana. He was the oldest of five children: Phyllis, Janet and Veronica (all of whom preceded him in death) and Therese.

Bob graduated from St. Rita’s Grade School and was a proud 1948 graduate of Cathedral High School. After working a few years, he joined the U.S. Army during the Korean conflict. Upon his return from Korea, Bob served with the U.S. National Guard to conclude his term of military service.

On July 25, 1953, Bob married Vivian Gordon at St. Rita’s Catholic Church. To this union were born three children: Janet Cheryl, Brian Keith and Gail Lynne.

Bob was a dedicated employee of Dow Chemical Company from which he retired after 42 years. Subsequently, he worked another 20+ years at Seradyn Diagnostics and the Indianapolis Public Library before he really and finally retired.

Known as “Junior” or “Bob” to his parents, grandparents, sisters, aunts, uncles and cousins, he was proudly called “Dude” by his only grandchild, Zachary, who was his shadow. Other than Daddy and “Dude”, his other favorite name was “Uncle Bob” as he was called by his nieces and nephews. Known for his humor, he loved to tease kids and pull their legs. No doubt, he loved his family and always kept up on the latest news. His hobbies were cars, jazz music, fishing, and talking politics. In his later years, he was known as the “gadget man”. If you needed something and he knew about it, Bob already had one or would order it for you. He had a catalog for everything and deliveries came quite a few times per month. Like his Father before him, he kept records of everything and was resourceful! Another guilty pleasure was watching the Young and the Restless most weekdays.

Left to cherish his memory are his loving wife, Vivian, who was married to him for nearly 66 years and three children: Janet, Keith, and Gail. He also leaves one grandchild, Zachary; his only living sister, Therese B. Leeke and her husband John; and a host of nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews, cousins and friends.