Robert Clark Jewell Jr., age 83, died Monday, September 12, 2022 at his home in Brookville following a brief illness.
Born February 4, 1939 in Union County, Indiana, Bob was one of four children born to the late Robert and Mabel (Smith) Jewell. Bob graduated from Short High School in Liberty with the class of 1957. On October 15, 1960, he and Phyllis Kay Lambert were married at St. Thomas Lutheran Church. Together they celebrated 61 years of marriage.
Shortly after their marriage, Bob was drafted into the US Army and was honorably discharged after 4 years of service. Upon his return to Brookville, Bob began a long and successful career in construction as a master carpenter. His craftsmanship and skill can be seen in many homes and businesses in Brookville and Franklin County. Bob retired from construction and went on to become the friendly face at the lumber desk at Gillman’s Do It Best in Brookville for five years. After retiring from Gillman’s, Bob became a driver for Franklin County Public Transportation, finally retiring for good in 2019.
Throughout his life Bob served the community of Brookville and Franklin County in many ways. 1982-1986 Franklin County school board member and 2002-2014 as Franklin County school board president. One of his proudest achievements as part of the school board was the construction of the new Franklin County High School. For 24 years, 1982-2005, Bob provided help to those in need as a driver for Brookville EMS #2. He was a member of the Sheriff’s Merit Board for 35 years, a former member of the Franklin County council and served as the Chairman for the Franklin County Republican Party for many years. Bob also served his church through two terms on the church council and years of caring for the building.
In addition to serving others, Bob enjoyed spending time with friends playing cards, traveling and capturing perfect ocean sunsets on camera. Family was important as well, always available for repairs, frying up chicken and never missing a sporting event or activity that the grandkids participated in.
Bob is survived by his wife Phyllis, children Marcia (Chris) Ernstes and Rob Jewell, as well as grandchildren Seth and Joel (Jasmin) Ernstes and Blake and Zach Jewell. He is also survived by his brother Richard (Ida) Jewell and sister Betty (Dick) Seibert. He was preceded in death by his parents, sister, Barbara Benge, nephew Jim Benge and granddaughter Grace Jewell Ernstes.
Family and friends may visit from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm on Thursday, September 15 at Phillips and Meyer’s Funeral Home, 1025 Franklin Avenue, Brookville.
Pastor Ladona Webb will officiate funeral services on Friday, September 16 at 10:00 am at St Thomas Lutheran Church, 823 Franklin Avenue, Brookville. Burial with full military graveside honors by the Bernard Hurst Post #77 will follow at Maple Grove Cemetery in Brookville.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Brookville EMS #2 or St. Thomas Lutheran Church. The staff of Phillips & Meyers Funeral Home is honored to serve the Jewell family, to sign the online guest book or send personal condolence please visit www.phillipsandmeyers.com .