Robert C Allison

Robert "Bob" Charles Allison, Sr. passed away peacefully in the Ernestine M. Raclin House in Mishawaka on March 26, 2025. He was 90 years-old.
Bob was born in Mishawaka, IN on August 1, 1934 to the union of Marie (Myers) and Harrison Allison. His humble beginnings shaped him into the resilient, persevering, and hard-working man he became. He lived by the mantra: "If you're still congratulating yourself on what you did yesterday, what are you doing today"? Bob was a devout believer in the Lord and a life-long member of Saint Peter Lutheran Church in Mishawaka.
On March 10, 1957, he married the love of his life Shirley (Rawles) Allison, with whom he recently celebrated their 68th wedding anniversary. Together, they welcomed three children: Catherine (Michael) Kelly, Michael (Manolo Zavala) Allison, and Robert "Bob" (Barbara) Allison, Jr.
Bob graduated from Mishawaka High School in 1952, and earned his Bachelor of Arts in Education from Ball State University, then Ball State Teachers College in 1956. He returned to the University of Notre Dame, earning his Master of Arts in School Counseling in 1966. Bob began his teaching career at Lincoln Elementary, and also taught at Nuner Elementary, later joining Riley High School, all in South Bend. Bob remained in touch with many of the students he taught and counseled until the end of his life.
Bob enjoyed gardening, oil painting, and volunteered with numerous nonprofits in his retirement, including Hope Rescue Mission, the 511 group through the Salvation Army, which supports firefighters in their mission, and numerous roles in their church. He also worked in his retirement at Bubb's Funeral Chapel, bringing care and comfort to the bereaved. Always a fan of the underdog, Bob loved the Chicago Bears and the Chicago Cubs, who won the World Series in 2016 just for him. Bob and Shirley also enjoyed attending Bethel basketball and Notre Dame baseball games.
Bob enjoyed doting on his six grandchildren: Sam (Kristen) Kelly, Peter Kelly, with whom he shares his birthday; Sarah Kelly, Matt Kelly, Connor Allison, and Camille Allison; and his great grandson, Hudson Kelly.
Bob is also survived by his brother Richard "Dick" (Wilma) Allison, and many nieces, nephews, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, friends, and all the former students he inspired. He was preceded in death by his parents and his beloved Dalmatian, Abby.
Visitation for Bob will be held at Palmer Funeral Home, Bubb Chapel, on Tuesday, April 1, from 4-7 pm ET. Services honoring Bob's life will be held at 11 am on Wednesday, April 2, at Saint Peter Lutheran Church, with visitation one hour prior to the service.
In memory of Bob's life, be humble, be generous to those in need, and pay it forward.
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