Robert E. "Bob" Pence

Robert E. "Bob" Pence, 81, of Shelbyville, passed away Wednesday, February 11, 2009, at Methodist Hospital in Indianapolis. Born September 16, 1927, in Shelbyville, he was the son of Fred W. and Edith Ellen (Swinehart) Pence. He married Janet Lawsenne Stine on July 6, 1957, and she survives. Other survivors include daughters, Angie E. (husband, Stevie) Washington of Shelbyville and Lisa E. (husband, Kevin) Smith of Greenfield; a son, Jed Robert (wife, Michelle) Pence of Indianapolis; grandchildren, Latosha K. Pence, Zachary D. Washington and Hannah L. Washington; and great-grandchildren, Taylia D. Jackson and Eric N. Brown III. He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Harry Pence and Fred T. Pence; and a sister, Sarah "Sally" Ireland. Mr. Pence graduated from Shelbyville High School in 1945, and had attended Brownstown High Schhol through his sophomore year. While in high school, he played basketball and was a state finalist hurdler for the track team. He graduated from Florida State University in 1953, where he played forward-center on the men's basketball team, ran track and was a four-year letter winner in both sports. He was a member of the Florida State Alumni, the Benevolent and Protective Order of the Elks No. 457, where he was a past exalted ruler. Mr. Pence was a U.S. Army veteran, serving in the Philippines during World War II. He was an excellent swimmer and a lifeguard at the former Porter Pool, and he was an avid golfer. A gathering of friends will be from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at Carmony-Ewing Chapel of Freeman Family Funeral Homes and Crematory, 819 S. Harrison St. A celebration of life will be at 2 p.m. Saturday at the funeral home, with the Rev. Robert Campbell and Tony Lambert officiating. Interment will be in Forest Hill Cemetery.