Obituary published on Legacy.com by The Meeks Mortuary & Crematory - Washington Street Chapel on Dec. 18, 2024.
Muncie - Robert Wayne Gillum went to be with Jesus, his Lord and Savior on Monday December 16th, 2024 after a long illness. Bob was born on October 25th, 1948 in
Muncie, Indiana to William and Geraldine Gillum and is preceded in death by his parents, brother Rex, close Uncle Bob (Madonna) and sister-in-law Cindy Gillum (Jeff). He is survived by his loving wife Lana; his two children Brad (TyAnn) and Brandie Oliver (Justin); his grandchildren Kade, Kaylee, Rylan and Brayden Oliver, Ellisyn and Isaac Gillum; his brothers Bruce (Pamela) and Jeff; and sisters Diane Gillum and Anita Bales (Dave).
Bob was the first of six children and graduated from Yorktown High School in 1966. He excelled at sports, most notably baseball as a pitcher, but proved to be a tough competitor at any game he played. Bob served in the US Army as a Military Police Officer in 1967-68 during the Vietnam War, and returned not only to continue playing baseball at a high level, but also to start a family. He married his high school sweetheart Lana in 1970 and for the next 54 years they loved and took care of each other. Bob coached his son's baseball teams and was a contributor to Wes-Del Little League for many years, making great childhood memories for lots of kids. He couldn't have been more proud of his daughter, supporting cheerleading, gymnastics, volleyball and softball activities he loved being a dad. Bob took up golf in his twenties and loved the game, playing at Eaton's Lakeview Country Club where he made many lifelong friends that he cherished, just as he continued to do at the Elks Country Club near his home. The golf club community was very special to Bob, and those friendships helped sustain him.
After experiencing a serious aortic aneurysm in 1997, Bob was faced with many challenges and changes. This was the beginning of a tremendous purpose, and everyone who knew Bob before and after that came to realize the living example of faith, perseverance, and strength-through-adversity that he was. He was an advocate for the disabled, both veterans and non-veterans alike. When he learned of others, of any age, that were faced with life changing struggles, physical or emotional, he would reach out to encourage them. Endearing relationships were formed in the medical community, starting with several who worked to save his life in surgery, and then so many more who helped him maintain his health for so long.
Bob was blessed with six grandchildren; they were an ultimate joy to him, and they adored him too. The opportunity to pass on his pitching knowledge was a continuing effort with the boys, and he loved being at every game he could. Usually sporting New York Yankee fan gear, Bob could often be found at Delaware County fields and courts, traveling to Grand Park, or any gym and auditorium to cheer on his grandkids sports and show choir competition.
Bob grew to seek the Lord Jesus Christ and testified boldly for many years about his relationship with God, hoping to encourage others. He attended Agape Ministries, Center Chapel and Muncie Alliance, and He appreciated the ministry of those he met in Muncie area churches. As social media began to make it possible, he was able to connect with military veteran friends, and loved sharing with them and bridging that time. Relationships of friends and family were most important to Bob, and he fought throughout his whole life for them.
Services will be 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, December 21, 2024 at The Meeks Mortuary and Crematory, Mt. Pleasant Chapel, 7901 W. Isanogel Rd. Burial will follow in Elm Ridge Cemetery with Military Rites conducted by The United States Army and the Veterans of Delaware County.
Family and friends may call from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. on Saturday at the Mt. Pleasant mortuary.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.meeksmortuary.com.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Robert, please visit our floral store.