Robert " Mr.Bob" Eble

Robert Ignatius “Bob,” affectionately known to many as “Mr. Bob,” Eble was born to Edward A. Eble and Mary Clideth McCullough Eble in Warrick County, Indiana, on December 16, 1934. He passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family, on July 29, 2026, at the age of 91.

His mother died when he was five years old, and his younger brother, Danny, died two years later. Bob started school when he was six. Because he was grieving the loss of his mother and brother, he struggled academically. However, he was naturally gifted with machinery and woodworking.

At age 13 he dropped out of school to work in the bottom of the Eble Mine shaft, doing work most grown men struggled to do. Bob was always doing odd jobs such as cutting thousands of fence posts for local farmers. One of his family members once said, “Bob always knows where there is money to be made and how to make it!” At the age of 18, he began working for Peabody Coal Company, where he faithfully worked for 40 years. A proud coal miner, Bob was a dedicated 60-year member of the United Mine Workers of America (UMWA), an organization he valued throughout his life. During that time, he invented a wooden plug used to keep dynamite in place in blasting holes and manufactured them after work.

During a coal strike, Bob earned his Public Passenger License (PPL) and began driving bus trips for Southwest Sullivan School Corporation. When Commercial Driver’s Licenses (CDLs) became law, those with PPLs were grandfathered in. Bob’s last day as a coal miner on Monday was followed by his first day as “Mr. Bob,” the Southwest Sullivan school bus driver, on Tuesday. For fifteen years, “Mr. Bob” did much more than drive a school bus. He greeted every child with a smile, often filled the bus with music from his harmonica, and reflected God’s love by making every child feel welcomed, valued, and seen. His dedication to the happiness and safety of the children entrusted to his care earned him the honor of being named Indiana Bus Driver of the Year, an award sponsored by HI-99 that he cherished.

His wife, Sandra “Sue” Eble, earned her CDL and became his bus aide. On occasion, Sue would drive while Bob entertained the students from the back of the bus by playing his harmonica. Bob retired from Southwest Sullivan School Corporation in 2005 and later started a window-cleaning business, where he taught many of his grandchildren the trade. Although Sue was happiest at home, Bob never stayed away long. No matter where he was or what he was doing, one of his favorite sayings was, “I better get home and check on Suzzie Q.” It was a simple phrase that reflected the deep love and devotion he had for his wife of 68 years.

In 2019, the COVID-19 pandemic slowed Bob down after he contracted a mild case. Over the following years, additional bouts with COVID-19, a heart attack, and double pneumonia gradually diminished his memory and strength. Even so, nothing lessened his generous smile, his willingness to help others, or his desire to care for those around him.

Bob is survived by his loving wife of 68 years, Sandra “Sue” Eble; his children, Roman (Debra) Eble, Sara (Norman) Hayhurst, Julia Barden, Melisa (Kevin) Hallett, Ed (Melissa) Eble, and Lucy (Will) Monroe; his grandchildren, Shawna Beard, Sheila Richardson, Laura (Dan) Shryock, Jacob Hayhurst, Kelly (Heather) Hallett, Elizabeth (Joe) McKnight, Robert (Alex) Hallett, Carrie (Clint) Depue, Emily Mize, Janae (Ethan) Enstrom, Jenny (Matthew) Roberts, Boe Monroe, and Jaden Walters; as well as many great-grandchildren, cousins, nieces, nephews, and many treasured friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Edward A. Eble and Mary Clideth McCullough Eble; his siblings, Virginia Eble, Margaret Robertson, Louis Eble, Joyce Eble, Al Eble, Faye Kelly, Ruth Moffett, Danny Eble, Barbara Wills, and Romania Eble; his son-in-law, Calvin Barden; and his beloved grandchild, August Hallett.

Whether you knew him as a strong Catholic, Bob, Mr. Bob, a coal miner, a school bus driver, a window washer, or simply a friend, you knew a man whose life was marked by the importance of education, hard work, unwavering faith, and a servant’s heart. He found purpose in providing for his family, joy in serving others, and fulfillment in making people smile. His love for God shined through in the way he treated others with kindness, generosity, and compassion. His love for his family, his music, and the countless lives he touched through his work and friendship will leave a lasting legacy for generations to come. Nothing could lessen his smile or his desire to take care of others.

Visitation will be held at Holmes Memorial Chapel, Thursday, August 6, 2026 from 5PM - 7PM. Rosary will be said at 7PM.

Followed by a service at St. Mary’s Church Catholic, Friday, August 7, 2026, will be at 10:00 AM.