Robert E. Etchason, 93, of Chesterton passed away Thursday, March 7, 2024. He was born January 7, 1931, in Gary, IN to Homer L. & Sylvia L. (Kahler) Etchason, graduated from Liberty Township High School and served proudly in the U.S. Army. Bob made his career as a Distributor for Texaco Oil Company, operating the bulk oil plant in Valparaiso having begun as a driver for Van Senus Sinclair Oil Company. On November 15, 1952, he married May Ruge who preceded him in death on July 21, 2011. Together they owned and operated Daisies Etc. Baskets and Supplies which provided handmade baskets to shops. He was also preceded in death by his siblings, Marlene Etchason, Olive Etchason, Edith Hanna, Donald Etchason, Arthur Etchason & Ivan Etchason. Although Bob & May had no children of their own, a host of loving nieces & nephews and their succeeding generations came to consider them as surrogate parents and grandparents.
Bob was baptized and confirmed on February 5, 1967 at Faith Memorial Lutheran Church and had been a member of Heritage Lutheran Church since 1989 where he served as Head Elder, usher, greeter, and any other duty that may have been required while he was present. His amenable personality, comforting smile, and can-do attitude made him a very approachable man that was welcomed into every group he ever encountered.
A visitation will be held Sunday from 12 noon – 2 pm at Moeller Funeral Home, Valparaiso. A funeral service will be held Monday, 10:30 am at Heritage Lutheran Church, 308 N. Washington St., Valparaiso, Rev. Stan Temme officiating. Burial will follow at Graceland Cemetery. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to Heritage Lutheran Church.
GUESTBOOK
Please accept my sincere condolences. I am the daughter of Alene, who was married to Art (Arthur) Etchason. I lived out of state, so I didn't get to know very many of Art's family, but I did get to meet Olive and Art's mother, whom we called "Grandma Etch". They lived together in a mobil home, not far from mom & Art. I have such fond memories of them and Art was such a great step-father to me and my siblings and the grandchildren. I will be praying for all of the family. -Denise Martin
