Robert Elmer Hood

Robert (Bob) Elmer Hood, 91 of Fairbanks, IN passed away on May 24th, 2021.  Bob joined his beautiful wife Verneal who preceded him in death in 2014.  Bob was surrounded at home by his adoring and loving children and grandchildren. He died peacefully of natural causes.  Bob was born on December 22, 1929 in Hymera, Indiana to the late Merle and Mary Hood of Fairbanks, IN.  Bob attended Hymera and Fairbanks later graduating from Ben Davis High School, Indianapolis, IN.

Bob was the quintessential family patriarch.  Bob and Verneal raised 3 children with an abundance of love (and discipline) where honesty and integrity were the rule and not an option.  Lessons of respect and hard work ethics were passed down through generations where Bob would often be found teaching his grandchildren that one must “show up” in life without excuse or expectation.  He practiced what he preached and led by example in all aspects of his own life.  He taught his family with his actions even more than his words.  These foundational philosophies were rooted in an upbringing during difficult times for this country until his High School Graduation in 1946.  He continued to refine these traits when Bob joined the United States Navy at the age of only 17.  His first duty station was post war Japan serving in the Pacific Theater including tours in Korea and Vietnam where he proudly supported the Marine efforts as a Navy Hospital Corpsman.  Bob attained the rank of Chief Petty Officer earning numerous commendations.

While serving as a recruiter in 1954 he met a young Verneal Julia Lundberg of Pepin, Wisconsin. He was soon to be stationed in Okinawa and asked Verneal to wait for him.  Verneal’s response was simply “put a ring on my finger and marry me” which he promptly did on July 17, 1955.  After retiring from the Navy in 1967, Bob permanently relocated his family to Fairbanks, IN where he worked as a contractor.  Bob and Verneal shared 59 years together enjoying their children’s and grand children’s activities, gardening, golfing, playing board and card games and making numerous trips to their cabin in Canada to fish with friends and family.  Bob was a proud member at Riverview and participated in the weekly card games and other numerous activities.  His time at Riverview with his buddies became the highlight of his days in his later years.

Bob is survived by his loving  children, Cindy Buddle (Tim), Terre Haute, IN,  Steve Hood, Fairbanks, IN and Greg Hood (Penny), Orange Beach, AL.  Grandchildren, Adam Terrell, San Diego, CA,  Alison Terrell Arnold (Jagen), Muncie IN,  Nathaniel Hood (Audrey), Indianapolis, IN and Tucker Hood, Dallas, TX.  Great Grandchildren Lillian and Piper Arnold and sister Janet Ring, Plainfield, IN.

Visitation  will be on  Friday May 28, 2021 from  12 noon until the service time at 2:00 p.m.,  at Holmes Memorial Chapel with  Pastor Dustin Withers officiating.  Military services will be given by the Sullivan County Honor guard.  

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