Robert Edward “Bob” Cassell, 87, of Lebanon, died on Saturday, September 4 at Witham Memorial Hospital in Lebanon. Bob, born March 22, 1923 in Anderson, Indiana, was one of three sons to the late John Marshall and Florence (Evans) Cassell.

After graduating from Anderson High School, he enlisted in 1943 in the United States Marine Corps and proudly served his country in the South Pacific with the 5th Amphibious Headquarters Batallion.

After military service, Bob enrolled in Purdue University and graduated in the class of 1950 majoring in electrical engineering. While at Purdue, he was student commandant of the Marine Corps detachment, a member and house manager of the Lambda Chi Alpha Fraternity, later serving for three years as President of the Fraternity Home Association. He was also a member of the Purdue Glee Club and former member of the John Purdue Club, holding season tickets and attending games for 36 years with close community friends and alumni.

On November 12, 1950, he married Jane (Chambers) Cassell at the Centenary United Methodist Church, a loving union that lasted 60 years. Bob served 35 years as the Business Manager of the Lebanon Utilities.

After retiring from the Utilities, he worked part-time for L&R Electric and later spent 10 years as a courier for the Witham Toxicology Lab. Most recently Bob worked as a greeter at the Strawmyer & Drury Mortuary in Lebanon.

Bob was committed member of the Centenary United Methodist Church and in past years served on the Membership and Evangelism Committee and supported his wife on various committees. Additional memberships included: Boone County Shrine Club, Murat Shrine, Scottish Rite, York Rite, Boone Lodge #9 F.&A.M. in Lebanon, American Legion, VFW Post 910 and a lifetime member of the Elks Lodge where he served as Exalted Ruler from 1958-1959. One of Bob’s greatest gifts was his sense of humor, which he shared with everyone he met. He possessed an outstanding ability to tell jokes and relate humorous stories. He was an avid angler, loving to fish in Canada with his son-in-law, grandson, family and friends. Bob also enjoyed hunting for wild game and was particularly fond of bow hunting in Michigan. He and Jane were devoted companions and shared numerous trips in all 50 states, Canadian provinces, Cannary Islands and Northern Africa with their dear friends Paul and Betty Green.

Survivors include his wife, daughter and son-in-law Janalee and Jack Taylor of Cincinnati, grandchildren, J.R. Taylor and Jennifer (Patrick) Bambrick of Cincinnati, and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and brothers, Albert W. “Bill” Cassell and James M. Cassell.

Family and friends will gather on Wednesday, September 8 from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service at 2:00 p.m. with the Rev. David Patrick and Rev. Dennis Deeter officiating at the Strawmyer & Drury Mortuary, 2400 N. Lebanon Street, Lebanon.

Bob will be laid to rest following military graveside honors at Oak Hill Cemetery in Lebanon. Elks rites will be presented as a part of the service.

You are invited to visit the website www.strawmyerdrury.com where you may sign Bob’s online register and leave a personal message. Memorial contributions may be made to the Centenary United Methodist Church, 910 Fordice Road, Lebanon, Indiana 46052 or the Boone County Cancer Society, 117 W. Elm Street, Lebanon, Indiana 46052.