Robert V. Chamness

RICHMOND, IN– Robert V. Chamness, age 72, of Richmond, Indiana, died Sunday, March 3, 2024, at Ascension St. Vincent's Hospital in Indianapolis.
Born September 27, 1951, in Richmond, Indiana, to Robert Verlin and Esther Mae Farr Chamness, Bob lived all of his life in this community. He was a graduate of Richmond High School. Bob earned an associate degree in criminal justice from IU East in May 1974, a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice at IUPUI Indianapolis in December 1974, and Indiana Law Enforcement Academy October 1977, with a special award, ranking 2nd academically in a class of 107 students. Bob was a member of IU East Alumni Association, Board of Advisors, 1989 to 1997, IU East Alumni Association President 1993 to 1995, IU Alumni Association President's Award committee, 1993, Indiana University Alumni Executive Council member 1995 to 1997. He received the Indiana University East Distinguished Alumni Award 2002, The President's award, Indiana University Alumni Association and Order of Augustus from the Probation Officer's Advisory Board of the Judicial conference of Indiana, 2012. Bob worked for Wayne County Sheriff's Department for 12 years as a jail officer, assistant jail commander, patrolman, achieving the rank of lieutenant.
After leaving the sheriff's department he became the director of the Mary E. Hill Youth Shelter. Bob then served as the Wayne County Chief Probation Officer for 30 years before retiring in 2014 in order to run for and ultimately serve on the Wayne County Council. Bob served in some capacity in Wayne County for almost 50 years. He served as an adjunct professor of Criminal Justice at IU East. He was a member of First Baptist Church of Richmond. Bob was a Bible Study Fellowship children's leader, a member of Big Brothers of America, and Gideon International. He enjoyed watching his grandchildren grow up, Bengals football and IU sports. Bob believed in honesty and that everyone is only as good as their word. He stood on integrity " Right is right and wrong is wrong", and "Never apologize for telling the truth", "If you are honest and have integrity your character will show it", and "Titles mean nothing unless you lead by example". Bob selflessly gave. He always told his children that he would give them anything he had. Family was always first for him. Bob loved his wife, his children and his grandchildren more than himself. He always believed in making friendships that are as strong as family. Other strong beliefs of Bob's included "There is no shame in good and honest hard work", "Be careful not to judge", "Everyone deserves a second chance", and "Love the Lord with all your heart and let others see Him through you". Bob's commitment to service, family, and the Lord were most important to Him. He had a lasting effect on countless people.
Survivors include his wife, Alice Corman Chamness; daughter, Erin (Ryan) Harris of Richmond, Indiana; son, Rob (Jennifer) Chamness, of Austin, Texas; grandchildren, Sophia, Hayden, and Riley; sisters, Judith Davis of Richmond, Indiana, and Sheryl Stegall, of Greenville, Ohio; brother-in-law, William Hasse, of Richmond, Indiana; nieces; nephews; cousins; many friends; other extended family; and grand dogs, Luna, Boomer, and Bowser.
He was preceded in death by his parents; and sisters, Patricia Corwin and Sandra Lee Hasse.
Memorial Visitation for Robert V. Chamness will be from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. Friday, March 8, 2024, at Bethesda Worship Center, 2200 Peacock Road, Richmond, Indiana. Memorial service will be held at 7:00 p.m. Friday, March 8, 2024, at Bethesda Worship Center with Rev. Kendal Harris officiating.
Doan & Mills Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to: The Gideons Wayne County West Camp for the Memorial Bible Fund, P. O. Box 174, Hagerstown, IN 47346 or National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Indiana State Chapter, 214 Overlook Circle, Suite 153, Brentwood, TN 37027.
Condolences may be sent to the family via the guest book at www.doanmillsfuneralhome.com.