Robert D. Hennon Sr.

Robert D. Hennon of New Bern,died July 28, 2008, at Craven Regional Medical Center. Robert, better known as Bob, was born April 14, 1931, in Bedford, Ind. His parents were Doyle Hennon and wife, Nellie Edith Justus Hennon.

His childhood was spent in Bloomington, Ind., where he graduated from Bloomington High School and later attended Oberlin College in Ohio. He received both an A.B. in speech and theater and an M.A.T. in speech and theater and also completed course work for a doctoral program in theater from Indiana University. Bob served in the Indiana National Guard during the Korean War.

Throughout his life, Bob's interest in theater was apparent in all areas of life. After graduation from Indiana University, he was employed by a public television station. Later, he enjoyed working as the lighting director for an outdoor drama, Chucky Jack, in Gatlinburg, Tenn. His teaching career began at Women's College of the University of North Carolina in Greensboro, where he met Cleo Cannady and they were married July 19, 1958. Bob and Cleo moved to Indiana, where he was employed as a professor of speech and theater classes at Indiana University-Kokomo. In 1984, Bob retired and the couple moved to New Bern, where Bob operated The Stitchery, a needlework and custom framing business. He continued to stay active in theater both acting and directing for various groups.

Bob was a member of First Presbyterian Church, where he served as an elder. He was a member of the Rothermel Foundation as long as health permitted.

Bob had always had an interest in his family history. This interest grew throughout his lifetime. He was president of the Craven County Genealogical Society for several years. During his illness he began writing stories about his family which were published in the Indiana Historical Society Journal, Connections. The Genealogical Helper will posthumously publish one of his articles in the Nov/Dec 2008 issue.

Memorial services will be held Tuesday, August 5, 2008 at 11 a.m. at First Presbyterian Church. The Rev. Dr. William Hawkins, pastor, will officiate, assisted by Mr. Ken Gruebel. An opportunity to meet with the family will follow the service in the Session House.

His love of learning and teaching permeated into his family life. He will be remembered for his compassion, patience, generosity and endearing love of family.

Survivors include Bob's wife, Cleo; son, Robert D. Hennon Jr. of New Bern; daughter, Ashley J. Weaver, and husband, Richard E. Weaver, of Walton, Ind.; three grandsons, Ryan P. Weaver of Denver, Colo., Justin R. Weaver and Brandon E. Weaver of Walton, Ind.; a sister, Vera L. Rouse of Bloomington, Ind.; brother, Dr. David K. Hennon and wife, Clarice, of Indianapolis, Ind. He also had many nieces and nephews whom he dearly loved. Bob was predeceased in death by brothers, Franklin D. and Richard E. Hennon, and a sister, Myra Jean Taylor.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to the First Presbyterian Church Foundation, PO Box 1075, New Bern, N.C., 28563-1075, or to the American Lung Association of North Carolina, National Processing Center, PO Box 7000, Albert Lea, MN 56007-8000, or to the charity of your choice.

Arrangements by Cotten Funeral Home and Crematory.

Paid Obituary