Charles Robert "Bob" Doty

1947 - 2013

Charles Robert "Bob" Doty

Charles Robert (Bob) Doty, 65, of Lafayette died at 7:40 a.m. Wednesday, June 26, 2013 after an eighteen-month battle with cancer. At his passing he was surrounded by his family.

He was born December 7, 1947 in Indianapolis, Indiana to the late Charles & Jeannette (Whistler) Doty. Known as Bob to his friends, he graduated from Lafayette Jefferson High School in 1966, and much to his dismay received his diploma from Indiana University in 1971. Being a lifelong Purdue fan, he kept his alumni status a closely held secret. On December 2nd 1971 he married the love of his life Alta Rebecca (Becky) Gilbert, and she survives.

Bob spent 40 plus years working in the Transportation Industry working for various trucking companies including Roadway, Yellow, Shaffer, Remington Freight, and Central Transportation. He worked his way up from the dispatch desk to terminal manager, and did about every job in between except actually drive the semis which was a great disappointment to his children when they were young. He was a people person and most enjoyed working in sales. He was good at his job and as he moved from company to company a lot of his clients would follow. Bob even became friends with some of his clients outside of work.

He had a sharp sense of humor and his distinct cackle was infectious. He was a Seinfield aficionado with an encyclopedia-like recall of every episode. A Seinfeld trivia game he received one Christmas collected dust because no one dared play him.

He didn't believe in left turns, but believed in God; however his religion was baseball and his church was the New York Yankees. Growing up he closely followed the exploits of Berra, Ford, Maris, Rizzutto, and above all else Mickey Mantle. He collected their baseball cards, a hobby that continued his entire life. At several points in his life he amassed a very impressive collection. In the early 80s he sold his collection to help move his family to Lafayette because he wanted to raise his children in this community.

His family came first and he was supportive in every endeavor his children and grandchildren pursued. He was always there sitting in the stands at baseball, basketball, soccer, and football games, and in the audience at every dance recital and show choir performance. He volunteered for Lafayette Youth Baseball serving on the board and eventually was Board President. He enjoyed traveling with his wife and visited 45 of the 48 contiguous United States.

Surviving with his wife of 42 years, are four children. His daughter Michelle Ray (husband Chris) of Chicago, sons Jason Doty (wife Diana) of West Lafayette, Ryan Doty ( companion Shelley Trader) of Austin, Texas, and Justin Doty (wife Crystal) of West Lafayette.

Also surviving are five grandchildren who made him an extremely proud grandfather; Jade, Jack, Ava, Joe, and Ella Doty all from West Lafayette. Bob was an only child and his proudest achievement is the large loving family that he leaves behind.

Friends may call at the Hahn-Groeber Funeral, 1104 Columbia St., Lafayette from 4 PM until the service at 5:00 PM Saturday. In memory of Bob go play catch with your children, watch a ballgame with loved ones, or catch a Seinfield re-run. Memories and condolences may be left at www.hahngroeberfuneralhome.com