Robert Louis "Bob" Esarey

Robert Louis “Bob” Esarey, 85, of Shelbyville, passed away Sunday, April  14, 2024, at Major Health Partner in Shelbyville.

He was born December 16, 1938, the son of Theodore A. and Beatrice (Lynch) Esarey.  On December 8, 1956, he married Janet Kay Webb, and she preceded him in death on November 17, 2018.

Bob is survived by his daughters, Janice Kay McDonnell of Shelbyville, and Deborah Ann Thompson and husband, Christopher, of Indianapolis; brother, John Esarey and wife, Gretchen, of Savannah, Georgia; grandsons, Brian Robert Wright and Daniel Steven Spall and wife, Courtney; great-grandchildren, William Wright, Elleanor Wright, Tate Spall and Colin Spall; a very dear friend, Sandra Colstock; and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to Janet, Bob was preceded in death by his parents.

In 1956, Bob graduated from New Palestine High School and attended IUPUC for industrial engineering.

He was a member of the New Life United Methodist Church.

Bob was a retired veteran of the U.S. Army Reserve, with over 20 years of service.

For over 25 years, Bob was a quality engineer manager at International Harvester/Navistar, retiring in 1985.  He also owned a consulting firm, Bojan International, for over 20 years.

Bob was a 50 plus year member of Free Masonry, with current memberships at Sugar Creek Lodge No. 279 F&AM, Franklin Lodge No. 439 F&AM and New Palestine Lodge No. 404 F&AM, where he was Worshipful Master.   He was an honorary member of the Harmony Lodge No. 11 F&AM, Metamora Lodge No. 156 F&AM, Devol Lodge No. 766 F&AM, Branchville Lodge No. 496 F&AM, St. Luke Lodge No. 761 F&AM, Warren Lodge No. 15 F&AM, Franklin Lodge No. 107 F&AM, Shelby Lodge No. 28 F&AM, New Palestine Lodge No. 404 F&AM and Farmers Lodge No. 147 F&AM. By the Grand Lodge Free and Accepted Masons of Indiana, he was awarded the Order of Service to Masonry, and was Grand Lodge ritual instructor from 2014 to 2021. 

He was a Past Worthy Patron and 50 plus year member of the Fairland Order of the Eastern Star.  Bob was also the Grand Representative for the Indiana Grand Chapter of Eastern Star, for the State of South Dakota, in 2021 and 2022.

Bob was also a 50-year member of the York Rite in Franklin. He was presented the Kentucky Colonel award by the Commonwealth of Kentucky.

Bob was formerly the fire chief of the Fountaintown Volunteer Fire Department for several years.  He also formerly served on the New Palestine Volunteer Fire Department.

Visitation will be from 4 to 8 pm, Wednesday, April 17, 2024, at Freeman Family Funeral Homes and Crematory, Carmony-Ewing Chapel, 819 S. Harrison St. in Shelbyville.  Eastern Star services will begin at 7:30 pm, Wednesday and will be followed by the Masonic service.

Funeral services will be at 10 am, Thursday, April 18, 2024, at the funeral home.

Interment will be at New Palestine Cemetery in New Palestine.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Cancer Association of Shelby County, PO Box 844, Shelbyville, Indiana 46176.

Online condolences may be shared with Bob’s family at www.freemanfamilyfuneralhomes.com.