Mr. Robert William “Bob” Springer, Sr., age 98, of Center Square, Indiana, a proud American veteran and devoted family man, passed away at 10:34 a.m., Thursday, November 20, 2025, at the St. Elizabeth Healthcare in Edgewood, Kentucky. Bob entered this life on June 4, 1927 in Cincinnati, Ohio. He was the son of the late Joseph and Rose Ann (Meisberger) Springer. He was raised in Cincinnati, Ohio where he attended school. Bob was drafted into the United States Navy on September 20, 1945. He completed boot camp in Virginia and served in World War II aboard an aircraft carrier. On April 21, 1950, Bob was united in marriage to Carol Stratton in Cincinnati, Ohio. This union was blessed with four children, Robert Jr., Wayne, Diane, and April. He continued his service in the Navy Reserves and was honorably discharged on March 20, 1952, with the rank of Seaman Apprentice. On March 21, 1952, Bob was drafted into the United States Marine Corps, proudly serving in the Korean War. He completed boot camp in San Diego, California, and because of his prior service and skills, he was sent first to Barstow, California, and then to New Hampshire for additional specialized training. He was later transferred to Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, where he served as a convoy leader, training soldiers and operating a wide range of military vehicles. Bob was honorably discharged from the Marine Corps on March 20, 1954. Following his military service, Bob continued to live a life shaped by honor, dedication, and hard work. He was employed as a roofer and foreman with Local Union 42 in Cincinnati, Ohio, a career he faithfully pursued for more than 40 years before retiring. Bob shared several years of companionship with Mary Grace Barlage, and together they were blessed with a daughter, Michelle. During his working years, Bob discovered Switzerland County, Indiana, after his brother, Donald moved to the area. Wanting to leave the city and find a quieter life, Bob made Switzerland County his home in 1974. On July 4, 1998, Bob was united in marriage to Alice Lindsay Lukie in Center Square, Indiana. Their union of nearly 14 years was blessed with two children, Crystal and Adam. Bob was an active member and proudly served on the Honor Guard of the Vevay American Legion Post #185 and the Vevay VFW Post #5396. Bob also held the distinguished honor of being the last remaining World War II veteran living in Switzerland County. In his free-time, Bob enjoyed life’s simple pleasures – drinking a cold beer, spending time with family and friends, and taking part in horseshoe tournaments. He loved fishing and was an enthusiastic fan of both NFL and college football, especially cheering on his beloved Cincinnati Bengals. Bob leaves behind a legacy of service, strength, and deep devotion to his family and country.
Bob is survived by his sons and daughters, Robert W. Springer, Jr. and his wife, Nancy of East Enterprise, IN, Donald “Wayne” Springer and his wife, Vicki of Fairview, IN, Diane Dixon and her husband, David of Berry, KY, April Springer Cooper of Simpsonville, KY, Michelle Springer of Center Square, IN, and Crystal Stewart and her husband, Billy of Easley, SC; his 20 grandchildren; his 19 great-grandchildren; his great-great-granddaughter; and his nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
He was preceded in death by his father, Joseph Springer; his mother, Rose Ann (Meisberger) Springer; his former wife, Carol (Stratton) Springer; his companion, Mary Grace Barlage; his wife, Alice Lindsay (Lukie) Springer; his son, Adam Christopher Springer; his sisters, Dorothy Martin, Marian Thomas, and Betty Springer; and his brother, Donald Joseph Springer.
Visitation will be held from 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m., Wednesday, November 26, 2025, at the Haskell & Morrison Funeral Home, 208 Ferry Street, Vevay, Indiana 47043.
A Celebration of Bob’s Life will be conducted at 1:00 p.m., Wednesday, November 26, 2025, by Rev. Mike Jones, at the Haskell & Morrison Funeral Home, 208 Ferry Street, Vevay, Indiana 47043. Full military rites will be conducted by the Honor Guard of the Vevay American Legion Post #185 and the Vevay VFW Post #5396.
Interment will be held at a later date in the Concord Cemetery, Patriot, Indiana.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Vevay American Legion Post #185 Relief Fund or the Vevay VFW Post #5396 Relief Fund. Cards are available at the funeral home or online at www.haskellandmorrison.com