Date Of Birth: August 26, 1922
Date Of Death: October 17, 2008
Robert S. Staley, 86, passed away peacefully in his home on October 17, 2008, surrounded by his wife and family. Bob was born on August 26, 1922, in Sidney, Montana, and raised in Watford City, North Dakota. During World War II, Bob joined the Army Air Corps and served in B-17’s and B-29’s. On November 28, 1943, Bob married his college sweetheart, Elizabeth Needham, of Wahpeton, North Dakota. Graduating from Jamestown State College and earning a Master’s Degree in music from the University of Idaho, Bob taught band and choir at Arnegard High School in North Dakota before moving with his family to Seattle to take a teaching position at King’s Garden Schools. There Bob and Liz raised their family of four children before moving to Indianapolis in June of 1964, where Bob took a position with the Best Lock Corporation. He also served as President of Friends Bible College in Haviland, Kansas. Since retiring in 1986, Bob continued with his musical abilities in the North Indianapolis and Carmel area, tuning and repairing pianos for hundreds of families over the years. On Sunday, October 19, friends and family are invited to a visitation from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at Harry W. Moore Funeral Care. Bob and Liz attended Faith Missionary Church, where Bob served as Minister of Music for many years. The funeral will be held at Faith Church at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, October 20, with burial to follow the service at Oaklawn Memorial Gardens Cemetery. Bob is survived by his loving wife, Elizabeth V. Staley; son, Robert S. Staley II (wife Connie); son, Collin M. Staley (wife Kathy); and son, Clair M. Staley (wife Judy); eleven grandchildren: Shannon Rothenberg, Stephanie Staley, Jessica Staley, Spencer Staley, Alan Hannan, Victoria Craig, Ashlee Hannan, Sean Staley, Justin Staley, Brianna Staley, and Ryan Staley; and four great-grandchildren: Skylar, Ailie, Aidan, and Logan. His daughter, Vicki Beth Hannon (husband Victor), preceded him in death.As a teacher, choir director, and role model for thousands of students and colleagues over the years, Bob will be remembered with love and admiration by those he has influenced .In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Bob’s name to Moody Bible Institute, 820 N. LaSalle Blvd, Chicago, IL 60610
Jessica Staley says
Grandpa – it’s hard for me to accept you are gone. I have such wonderful memories with you and Grandma, from musical Christmas programs, to the summers in college I stayed with you. You created a unique loving family, and I’m grateful to be a part of it.
Spencer Staley says
I love you Grandpa and I miss you. You taught me so much about love and kindness. You will always be in my heart. Love always and forever.
Victoria Craig says
I am very sorry for the loss we are all dealing with. I will miss Grandpa Bob more then words can say but I know he is in heaven with my mom now and they are at peace together. I may not be there physically at the funeral, but I am there with you all in spirit. Grandpa Bob was one of the most positive role models in my life and I will never forget him, nor will my children. My thoughts and Prayers are with you Staley family. I love you all- Tori
Bob and Betty Tansey says
Dear Liz and Family: What a wonderful husband and father and friend he was! We are sorry not to be there to hug each one of you.I am sure you each have many precious memories of Bob. We do, too! We remember Bob from early Faith Church days, singing on his tip toes in that beautiful voice (and I believe, it was with Liz).. . a new song we had not heard before: “Day by Day”. It has been a favorite of Bob’s and mine ever since. How precious the thought must be that one day you will see him again as well as his blessed Savior! Our love to each one of you!
betty & bob tansey
Al Leinbach says
I was saddened to hear of Bob’s home-going and yet in celebration of his being in the presence of his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ after a life of ministry and service to his family and to and with so many others. Bob filled an important administrative role in the early years and history of Heritage Christian School, Indianapolis. We were encouraged and blessed by his love for Christ and his love for godly music. He consistantly demonstrated thoughtful servant leadership.
Blessings and comfort to you all.
Al Leinbach
Alumni Relations Director
Heritage Christian School
Mary StaleySherman says
Dear Elizabeth, I just heard of Bob’s passing from Jimmie Staley. He was surely one of the best in our family. I haven’t seen you or Bob since your visit to my parents in the 50’s? I remember your beautiful red hair. When I was 7 I stayed with Aunt Mryl and Uncle Clyde and remember with fondness Bob & Lyle singing in harmony. It was beautiful. Not too many memories, but I’m glad to have known him and you. Love to you and your family. Mary
Raymonde Howell says
Dear Staley family,
We, the Howell family, send you our condolences at this difficult time. We remember Mr. Staley well since he has been a part of our lives for 27 years tuning our piano. As a young mother I had my old upright that I had as a girl. With Mr. Staley’s help and guidance, I refinished the wood and he took off the old ivory . I even painted the original black keys. He put new felt and more. Our family has enjoyed that piano ever since.Now my married daughter wants the piano in her own home for our new grandson to enjoy. Bob watched our family grow and he enjoyed visiting and telling us about his own family. He is a very special person in our hearts and lives.He will be missed.
Bud and Nan Childs says
Dear Liz and Family, Nan and I send our love to you in the Home Going of Bob. You and Bob ministered to Nan and I in many ways. Your example while we attended King’s High demonstrated God’s love. Bob’s love for good music also impacted us while we were in the high school choir. Even today, some 50 plus years later, the wonderful Christian music Bob taught us still rings in our hearts and minds. Your faithful ministry while we were serving with TEAM greatly encouraged us. Yes, “You touched our lives, and we will never be the same”.
May God’s peace and presence fill your life to overflowing.