Robert Longdon

Robert Lawrence Longdon, affectionately known as “Papaw” and “Preacher Bob” lived a beautiful life of service to others and to God. Robert was born August 23rd, 1932 in Birch Tree, MO to loving parents William and Virgie Lavonia Longdon. He shared many stories of growing up in Missouri in poverty during the depression which greatly influenced his thinking for the rest of his life. He was the youngest of four siblings. His older brother Norman joined the military during the Korean conflict and gave the ultimate sacrifice for his country in combat. Robert was drafted during the Korean War but his congenital COPD prevented his acceptance into the military. He graduated from Vandalia High School in his hometown Vandalia, MO in 1952. Robert was impressed by the senior pastor at the First Christian Church in Vandalia, MO where he attended with his parents and eventually felt the call to ministry. Robert decided to attend Lincoln Bible Institute in Lincoln, IL where he earned a bachelors degree in Preaching Ministry. He dedicated the rest of his life to christian ministry serving churches as pastor in Illinois, Indiana, California, Arizona and Florida. Robert performed hundreds of weddings and officiated hundreds of funerals. He baptized hundreds who wanted God’s forgiveness of their sins and salvation in Christ. He had a real passion for those who struggled by offering a prayer, writing detailed, caring letters and sending cards with warm words of encouragement. He had an amazing memory and could quote large passages of scripture. He regularly visited those in the hospital, the shut ins and church members in nursing homes. He was a dynamic speaker from the pulpit; a vessel God used to shepherd his church and build the Kingdom of God. His sermons were broadcast on radio programs in Indiana and Illinois.

While serving a church in Indianapolis, Robert met the love of his life Evelyn Jane Corn who also shared his passion for ministry. Jane had been widowed and had two young children from that previous marriage, Andrea and Eric. Together they had two additional children Aaron and Athena. Robert and Jane were partners in ministry and raised their family to know the Lord. They were married for 52 years. Robert took care of his ailing wife Jane in the later years until she was called home suffering from Parkinson’s. He was lost for a time without her companionship.

Robert was a kind person with a great sense of humor. He always had a smile and a joke to tell. He loved to laugh and had a firm handshake. He truly never met a stranger. He walked around the large park in front of his house waving to friends and striking up conversations. He loved his dogs Princess (dachshund) and Wilbur (chihuahua). They were the best companions for him after his wife Jane passed away. Robert performed a wedding for a friend in his Indianapolis west side neighborhood and in lieu of payment, Robert was given Wilbur.

He created the Rhodius Park neighborhood crime watch in his Indianapolis west side neighborhood of 35 years. Crime was becoming an issue and the neighbors were living in fear. His efforts helped the community and earned him the IMPD Crime Fighter of the Year in 2017; an award given by Joe Hogsett, Mayor of Indianapolis. Robert was very proud of that achievement.

One of Robert’s favorite hobbies was going to Goodwill stores and collecting trinkets, buying clothes and getting Bibles and religious books that he gave to missions.

In 2016, he left his home of 35 years and moved in with his son Aaron, daughter in law Mary and granddaughter Sara in Fishers, IN. They took loving care of him and very much enjoyed the time they shared; the memories will now last a lifetime. What a blessing to have your father to age 91. In his late 80s, his granddaughter Sara, taught him how to use an Apple iPhone. While living in Fishers, he attended the Fortville Christian Church in Fortville, IN. He loved the congregation and participated in many of the ministry programs.

Robert is preceded in death by his parents William & Virgie Lavonia Longdon, brother: Norman Longdon, brother: Glen Longdon, sister: Melba Longdon Babb, loving wife: Evelyn Jane Longdon. He is survived by his son: Aaron Longdon and daughter-in-law Mary, daughter: Athena Newcomb and son-in-law Tim, daughter: Andrea Openshaw and son-in-law Mike, son: Eric Corn and daughter-in-law Mary Beth, niece: Penny Babb Hamill, grandchildren: Sara Longdon, Rachel Williams, David Openshaw, Jennifer DeGroot, Holly Olsen, Steve Longdon, Tom Longdon, Clara Hunter, David Longdon, Joshua Longdon, many great grand children.

Dad, we will miss you immensely. You were always someone we could count on. We are all better people, Dad, because of you. We will forever keep you in our hearts with God.

A viewing will be held for Robert on Friday, March 22nd, 2024 from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm at the Flanner Buchanan Floral Park funeral home at 425 N Holt Rd, Indianapolis, IN. The funeral will be at 1:00 pm with interment to follow at Floral Park Cemetery.