Robert E. Dunbar

Robert E. Dunbar June 5, 1954 - Feb. 1, 2015 SOUTH BEND - Robert E. Dunbar Jr., 60, of South Bend, died unexpectedly Sunday, February 1st, at his residence. Bob was born June 5, 1954, in Louisville, KY, to Robert E. and the late Margaret M. (Voorde) Dunbar, and resided most of his life in the South Bend area. On November 22, 1986, in Niles, MI, he married Linda A. Hatton, who survives. Also surviving are his children, Carlie Byler (Brett) of South Bend, Emma, Margaret, David, Bobby and Donny Dunbar, all at home; his father, Robert E. Dunbar, Sr. of South Bend; two sisters, Mary Dunbar (Jim Thornburg) of South Bend and Martha Krull (Jim) of Fortville, IN; and two brothers, John P. Dunbar (Maryclare) of Mishawaka and David B. Dunbar (Sandy) of Westfield, IN; his mother-in-law, Allene Hatton of Mishawaka, IN; a brother-in-law, Alvin Hatton (Donna) of Ypsilanti, MI; two sisters-in-law, Lois (Ken) Pierpont of Taylor, MI, and LaVonne (Bob) Gandolfo of Berea, KY; along with many nieces and nephews. Bob was preceded in death by an infant child; his mother, Margaret M. Dunbar; and a brother, Donald C. Dunbar. Bob was a deeply sincere and active follower of Jesus Christ, a loving and loyal husband, an engaged and devoted father, and a genuine friend to so many. He was a skilled listener. He studied the hearts of his children and cared sincerely about others. He was a man of deeply-held convictions, but he was patient and gentle with all people. He loved to be with his children, attending all their games and thousands of practices. He held a position of high responsibility as the Chief Operating Officer of Newmark Grubb Cressy & Everett of South Bend, but faithfully prioritized his time to invest in civic leadership, serve at Grace Church, and devote himself to his wife, children and friends. He lived generously, continually giving and serving others. Bob loved to be quietly outdoors, sitting in the sun, fly-fishing with his boys, or walking the beaches of Lake Michigan. He read widely and was skilled at intelligent, warm conversation. He loved children and they loved to be around him. He loved a good story and had a joyful laugh and a ready sense of humor. He was most at ease in his wide circle of friends, with coffee-in-hand. To the very last beat of his heart he was joyfully serving others and he will be sorely missed. A celebration of Bob's life will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, February 6th, in Grace Church, 52025 Gumwood Rd. Committal services and burial will follow at St Joseph Valley Memorial Park, Granger. The family will receive friends in the church from 4 until 8 p.m. Thursday, February 5th. In lieu of flowers the family requests that memorial contributions may be made to Granger Christian School, 52025 Gumwood Rd., Granger, IN 46530. Welsheimer Family Funeral Home North is assisting the family with arrangements. Family and friends may leave e-mail condolences at www.welsheimer.com.