Robert A. Bennett

Robert A. Bennett Robert A. (Bob) Bennett, 100, passed away peacefully at his home in Nashville, Tennessee, September 2, 2025. He was preceded in death by his wife of 73 years, Patricia Meredith Bennett. Son of Allen C. and Oleatha (Ensminger) Bennett, Bob was born April 25, 1925, in Shelbyville, Indiana, where he lived most of his life. Well known as the owner of Todd-Bennett Clothier in Shelbyville, Bob also took a leading role in a number of local organizations throughout his life.

A 1943 graduate of Shelbyville High School, Bob was named Lord Mayor as the top student in his class and escort for the May Queen. At the outset of World War II, Bob enlisted in the Army Air Corps and served as a Navigator with the Fifteenth Air Force. In a letter to his parents, he wrote that his first raid over enemy territory had been “a tough one, but now I have that one under my belt, and I feel lots better.” He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for “for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight in the Mediterranean theatre of operations.” With help from the GI Bill, he attended DePauw University where he was a member of Phi Kappa Psi fraternity. It was there that he met Patricia Meredith of Muncie, Indiana. They were married in 1949, the year they both graduated, and settled on Washington Street in Shelbyville.

Bob joined his father at Todd-Bennett, taking over ownership after Curly, as his father was known, passed away in 1965. For many years, the store was one of the few in the area selling men’s clothing and earned a loyal customer base. Todd-Bennett also provided jobs for several local high school students as well as a Friday night and Saturday gathering place for many of them. Several years ago, a group of former employees and frequent visitors, including Mike Vaught, Jimmy Meloy, Billy Horner, John Coffin, John Hayes and Dean Shadley, traveled to Nashville for a reunion with Bob which meant a great deal to him.

In addition to time spent at the store, Bob lent his talents to a number of civic activities including two terms on the Shelbyville School Board in the 1960’s and was instrumental in having the city purchase the land where the High School and Middle School stand today. On many Sunday afternoons during construction of the High School, Bob could be found surveying the progress. He was active in the founding of the Shelby County United Fund (SCUFFY) and served as Drive Chairman and Director. He also served as President of the Shelbyville Boys Club, President of the Rotary Club and Exalted Ruler of the Elks Lodge. He was a member of the Indiana CPA Society and the United Methodist Church in Shelbyville. After 35 years and Christmas seasons, Bob sold the store in 1981 but continued his involvement with several local businesses and initiatives. He served on the Farmers National Bank (now National City) Board for 25 years and as Director of Forest Hill Cemetery for 20 years. In an effort to bring more jobs to the Shelbyville area in the late ‘70s, he was an early Director and Officer of Shelby Industrial Development and Shelby Industries. At the same time, he resurrected his golf game and began to play Duplicate Bridge, earning Bronze Life Master Status.

Bob and Pat enjoyed several trips to Europe although Pat, unlike Bob, hated flying, and made numerous road trips to visit family, as well as to Keeneland Racetrack and The Greenbrier. Still driving to New York City in his late eighties, Bob and Pat loved Broadway shows and great dining in the Big Apple. In fact, family road trips had been a tradition dating back to a drive to Miami Beach in the late 50’s. Bob and Pat relocated to Nashville several years ago to be closer to family and loved the chance to see their daughters and grandchildren on a more regular basis.

Bob is survived by daughters Meredith Oliver (Joseph) of Beaufort, SC, Sarah Ramsey (Jay) of Nashville, grandchildren Meredith Kalt (Andrew), Helen Rominiecki (Ryan), John Ramsey (Molly)and great-grandchildren James, Mills, Brooks, Annie, Tilly and Bennett. He is also survived by his nephew and nieces, Mike Vaught, Sally Boone, Peggy Sexson, Judy Griswold, Susan Ervin and Janet Parker. His older sisters Betty Taff and Mary Lou Vaught preceded him in death.

The family would like to thank Bob and Pat’s wonderful and kind caregivers, Kay and Kevin Carter and Rhonda Raphael among others as well as the staff at The Blakeford where he resided.

A memorial service will take place at Forest Hill Cemetery next spring.

Contributions in his memory may be made to the Shelby Country United Fund, 126 N. Harrison Street, Shelbyville, IN 46176.

Local arrangements have been entrusted to Freeman Family Funeral Homes and Crematory, 819 S. Harrison St., Shelbyville, IN